His dreams of one day fighting for a world title comes true for the 21-year-old Filipino Daryl "Flash" Basadre (L) when battles tough undefeated Namibian Joseph "Smokey Joe" Hilongwa (12-0, 5 KO's) for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Super Flyweight World Belt on Friday May 9 in the southern African Republic of Namibia.
The hard-hitting Daryl Basadre (11-1-1, 8 KO's) comes from a round 2 demolition of over-weighted Cebu-based Julius Alcos three weeks ago at Basadre's adopted hometown of General Santos City. It was a clash in which the 5' 5" Filipino captured the vacant WBF International 115-lbs. title. He has also been the WBF Asia-Pacific 112-lbs champ.
In sharp contrast, "Smokey Joe" Hilongwa hasn't done much during the last 12 months.
The last time the fearless Hilongwa, 32, climbed a ring was more than a year ago when he had to go the full full 12-rounds distance against tough southpaw Sibusiso Twani in Kempton Park, South Africa, a fight that the unbeaten Windhoek resident won by unanimous decision to capture the vacant WBF Inter-continental super flyweight strap.
So the question in fans mind is: after more than a year away from fighting action, will ring rust affect Hilongwa in his 12-rounder against Basadre?
Manager Jim Claude Manangquil, one of the handlers of the Filipino fighter, has an opinion:
"That could be, nobody knows, but we'll find out. Boxing is a sport in which is better to be active. Our boxer Basadre is active and sharp. He has been fighting regularly and already started training 10 days ago. We'll keep his work load as planned and will fly to Namibia on May 2. Basadre will be ready to fight Hilongwa on May 9."
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article by Carlos Costa.