QINGDAO, CHINA ? Defending WBO flyweight champion Sho Kimura of Japan and Filipino challenger Froilan Saludar both made the required weight on their first attempt during the official weigh-in held Thursday at the fight venue, the Qingdao Guosen Gymnasium.
Kimura (16-1-2,9KO?s) weighed in at 50.65 kgs (111.68lbs) while Saludar (28-2-1,19KO?s) was at 50.45kgs (111.24lbs). Kimura will be making his second title defense while Saludar will be fighting for a world title for the first time.
Kimura became popular in China when he dethroned Chinese Olympic hero Zou Shiming by 11th round TKO in Shanghai last year. Saludar, from Polomolok, South Cotabato, is the brother of reigning WBO minimumweight world champ Vic Saludar and 2010 Asian Games boxing gold medalist Rey Saludar.
The officials for the WBO world title fight are Referee Chris Flores (USA), Judges Surat Soikrachang (Thailand), Benoit Roussell (Canada) and Patricia Morse Jarman (USA). Supervising for the WBO will be Leon Panoncillo (USA).
The main bout will be the WBA minimumweight world title bout between Chinese challenger Xiong Chao Zhong (27-7-114KO?s) against unbeaten WBA minimumweight champion Thamanoon Niyomtrong a.k.a. Knockout CP Freshmart (17-0,7KO?s) of Thailand. Xiong weighed 47.5kgs (104.7lbs) while Niyomtrong stepped on the scales at 47.4 or 104.5lbs.
The supporting bouts will feature the WBA Asia Pacific flyweight title match between Wulan Tuolehazi of China and Watana Phenbaan of Thailand. Both also made the weight at 50.7 kgs.
Filipino Sonny Katiangdagho will face Baishanbo Nasiyiwula of China for the WBA/WBC International lightweight belts. Two other Pinoys will figure in non-title bouts ? Jelbirt Gomera vs Xu Can of China and Mel Fajardo vs Xiang Li of China.
Photo - Sho Kimura and Froilan Saludar posed during the weigh-in.
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