The pair took a look at each other in the first, circling around before flicking away with their left hands. Neither was ready to commit to anything meaningful in the opening exchanges. The pair started to step things up midway through the second; Ioka was pressing forwards but lacked the speed of his rival and was tagged with a right hand. Ioka then started to press with more intent, but was again caught by a right hand from Inoue that shook him to his boots. Ioka’s legs were not with him and Inoue took full advantage, landing three left hands that sent Ioka tumbling to his backside. The former champion climbed up and, luckily for him, the bell sounded.
