In a significant shakeup in the Super Flyweight Division, Fernando “Pumita” Martínez has vacated his IBF title, just months after securing the WBA title in a historic unification fight. The move comes ahead of his planned rematch with Kazuto Ioka, which was initially set for New Year’s Eve but has yet to be officially confirmed.
Martínez (17-0, 9 KOs), an undefeated Argentine star, made waves in the boxing world when he captured the IBF Super flyweight title in February 2022 by defeating Jerwin Ancajas. He successfully defended it in two high-profile bouts before unifying with the WBA belt in July 2024, after a dominant win over Ioka in Tokyo.
While Martínez was expected to make a mandatory defense of his IBF title against Jade Bornea, the champion had been given some leeway by the IBF following his July victory. However, it seems the fighter from Buenos Aires has chosen a different route to further solidify his legacy in the sport. As per ESPN’s Salvador Rodríguez, Martínez has opted to vacate the IBF strap, focusing instead on other potential matchups.
The vacant IBF title will now be contested between two top Mexican fighters, Willibaldo García (22-5-1, 13 KOs) and René Calixto (23-0, 9 KOs), in December in Japan. It’s an unusual venue for an all-Mexican title fight, but Calixto has built a strong presence there, having fought twice in Japan and being promoted by the Kameda brothers.
With Martínez now stepping away from the IBF title picture, the prospect of an undisputed super flyweight champion seems more elusive than ever. However, fans are hopeful that the right matchups will eventually emerge to crown a true king of the 115-pound division—before the window closes on fighters like Bam Rodríguez and Martínez.
