By Jake Donovan

The on-again, off-again rematch between Rey Loreto and Nkosinathi Joyi will finally happen Sunday, March 22 in East London, South Africa.

For the second time in as many fights, Loreto (19-13, 11KOs) pulled off a stunning upset in the junior flyweight division when they first met. Less than six months after shocking former strawweight titlist Pornsawan Porpramook, Loreto forced the boxing world to stand up and take notice with a jaw-dropping 3rd round knockout of Joyi last February.

Loreto was a lightly regarded journeyman from Philippines prior to his current streak, having won three straight.

Joyi (24-3, 17KOs) has not fought since the knockout loss. The former top-rated strawweight and long-reigning titlist has suffered all three career defeats in the span of his past five contests. 

BOXINGSCENE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS:

REY LORETO vs. NKOSINATHI JOYI II

Jake Donovan (Loreto TKO4):

 "Second verse, same as the first. Joyi once great, but now looking worse (for the wear). Loreto’s Cinderella run extends at least one more fight."

John MacDonald (Joyi UD):

 "Filipino journeyman, Rey Loreto pulled off one of the upsets of 2014 when he stopped Joyi inside 3 rounds. Lightning won't strike twice. Joyi to box carefully to claim a wide decision."

Takahiro Onaga (Loreto TKO7):

"Loreto repeats shock win over Joyi."

Cliff Rold (Loreto KO):

"Loreto's record is as mis-leading as it gets.  He's improved, Joyi has slipped badly.  Rematch mirrors the first."

Reynaldo Sanchez (Loreto KO5):

 "Loreto will KO Joyi once again."

Alexey Sukachev (Loreto TKO5):

"Joyi isn't playing it safe, coming back against a fighter who knocked him out cold without even a tune-up. The thing is that Joyi looks to be a finished or damaged fighter after Rodriguez collision. Against Loreto he might be winning but only until a couple of heavy blows by the champion."

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox