Argentina’s Fernando Martinez relinquished the IBF junior bantamweight title on Tuesday October 29 – and was not stripped, as BoxingScene originally reported.
Martinez opted to vacate the title so he could pursue another fight, most likely a rematch with Kazuto Ioka. Martinez outpointed Ioka via unanimous decision in July to unify the IBF and WBA titles.
“On Tuesday, October 29 the IBF received notification that junior bantamweight champion Fernando Martinez was vacating his IBF title.
“In a letter addressed to President Daryl Peoples, Martinez thanked Peoples for the opportunity to represent the organization with honor and respect since he earned the title in February of 2022.
“The IBF wishes Fernando Martinez continued success and all the best in his future endeavors.”
The 33-year-old Martinez, 17-0 (9 KOs), made three successful defenses after taking the belt from Jerwin Ancajas.
The two leading 115lbs contenders in the IBF rankings are Willibaldo Garcia (No. 3) and Rene Calixto Bibiano (No. 4). The top two slots are vacant.
Read the full article here
