KIDAPAWAN CITY–A deal has been finalized in principle for undefeated Filipino prospect Jundy ‘Pretty Boy’ Maraon to challenge reigning WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight champion Ratanachai Sor Vorapin on April 28 here.
The veteran Vorapin is also the former WBO bantamweight champion, and a fight with Maraon is expected to be an uphill climb for the Filipino, who is being groomed to train in the United States if he gets past the Thai champion.
WBO Asia-Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo yesterday agreed to sanction the fight after conferring with the handlers of Vorapin concerning the purse, as well as the composition of Team Vorapin who will fly out of Bangkok. Panoncillo also agreed to Vorapin’s request to bring in one Thai judge to work the bout.
The former amateur standout Maraon is undefeated in 10 fights with 7 KO’s and 1 draw, and is ranked by the Games and Amusements Board as the country’s no. 1 bantamweight.
Noli Pinol, who co-manages Maraon along with Chicago-based Rolando Hiso, is confident his ward has what it takes to dethrone Vorapin, citing that the Filipino fighter has the physical tools and talent to bang with the best.
The 30-year-old Vorapin is a veteran of 78 fights, with a record of 69 wins, 9 losses with 46 knockout victories.
If successful, Maraon is groomed to continue his training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym, said North Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Pinol, Maraon’s chief benefactor.
Expected to see action on the April 28 undercard are Glenn Gonzales, Glen Porras, as well as the debuting Wilfredo Lopez, a tall welterweight who is also being groomed to train in the United States.
