Wednesday, 29 July 2026 · Philippines
News

ALA BOY PLANS REDEMPTION AGAINST EX-WBC CHAMP

There is only one thing that preoccupies the mind of ALA Boy Rollen Del Castillo these days: His upcoming bout with ex-WBC minimumweight champ Katsunari Takayama on December 3 at the Central Hall in Osaka, Japan.

In an exclusive interview at the ALA Gym last Saturday, Del Castillo revealed that he is out to redeem himself with a big win over the WBC no. 5 Takayama, who briefly held the WBC title this year with a victory over Mexican Isaac Bustos.

"I've been waiting for this kind of opportunity to come. I know I will be fighting in his hometown, but he need not worry, I am knocking him out," said Del Castillo, revealing for the first time that he is in the best shape since turning pro early last year.

The 10-round encounter pits the 18-year-old Del Castillo (11 wins, 2 losses with 5 knockouts) against the 22-year-old Takayama (15 wins, 2 losses with 7 KO's).

Del Castillo, along with boxers Bert Batawang and Dondon Sultan, is set to fly to Japan on December 1, accompanied by promoter Sammy 'Don King' Gello-ani and trainer Jeremiah 'Moray' Quijano.

Batawang, the Pan African junio flyweight titlist, is set to collide with Hiroyuki Hisataka, while Sultan tangles with Taisei Marumoto in the same card.

"I know Rollen will have the toughest assignment, but with the kind of conditioning he's in, Takayama will surely be entertained. He will have a long night, that we can assure," said trainer Quijano.

Gello-ani, who will be accompanying the fighters to make sure they get a fair shake, also expressed optimism on Del Castillo's chances.

END

Comments

Share your thoughts on the above article by Salven L. Lagumbay.

Read our community comment guidelines here