By Adrian Stewart Co

Aston Palicte of Bago City will be fighting for the World Boxing Organization world super flyweight belt on June 19, when he faces Japanese opponent Kazuto Ioka. The Negrense boxer’s chief handler Jason Soong confirmed they have already agreed the bout will take place in either Osaka or Chiba, both of which are located in Japan.

The two will be battling for the title previously held by Donnie Nietes, who vacated the title last month.

Palicte initially qualified after beating Puerto Rican fighter Jose Martinez following a second round stoppage in their eliminator bout at the Viejas Casino and Resort in Alpine, California. He was originally supposed to challenge Nietes for the title; however, their respective parties were unable to strike a deal for their much-anticipated rematch.

The two fought last September in a bout that ended in a split draw.

The Negrense comes into the fight with a 25-2-1 win-loss-draw ring record, with 21 stoppage victories; while Ioka carries a 23-2-0 record, with 13 knockout victories./ASC, WDJ