Cebuano hard-puncher Randy ?Kumong Bato? Suico is set for his third defense of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight crown he won exactly three years ago today against Thai Muangfahlek Kiatwichean in a scheduled 12-round shootout topbilling the ?Kadaugan sa Mactan III? card starting at 7 pm at the Lapu-Lapu City Sports Complex. Suico is out to make an impression that he has what it takes to be a world champion, especially that celebrated Filipino ring star Manny ?The Destroyer? Pacquiao has already committed to grace the explosive show put up by Cebuano topnotch impresario Rex ?Wakee? Salud in association with Japanese Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions Inc.
?During my previous defense (against Indonesian Mohammad Ibrahim Aroby), I predicted that I?m going to knock him out in five rounds. But I was wrong because I stopped him in the eighth round. I?m a bit embarrassed by that that is why I won?t make any prediction this time,? said the WBC ranked No.3 130-pounder Suico.
?I can only assure the Cebuanos of a very good and entertaining fight. If opportunity presents itself, I won?t hesitate to knock him out,? said Suico, who sports a 21-1 win-loss record spiked with 19KOs.
Revered Japanese boxingman Joe Koizumi cautioned Suico that the Thai challenger is a very strong starter who is capable of inflicting heavy damage within the first five rounds of action.
?The Thai has is very good and experienced fighter. He?s a strong starter, so Randy (Suico) must be extra careful exchanging punches with him in the first five rounds,? warned Koizumi, who?s in town to serve as Suico?s chief cornerman.
Suico?s trainer Jun Ablaca isn?t unfazed though by Koizumi?s warning, saying that Suico is fit and ready enough to exchange punches with the Thai visitor at any given time.
?We?re prepared for whatever kind of attack the Thai challenger will present. If he?s willing to exchange punches early, Suico will always be right there in front of him, ? said Ablaca, who expects a really exciting and action-packed battle.
On the other hand, Kiatwichean, who holds a 10-4 win-loss record with 7KOs, humbly admitted he?s not that a skilled fighter, but has enough firepower in his offensive arsenal that can send Suico crashing back to earth.
? I thought Suico was big, but after seeing him, I?m no longer scared of him. I knew he punches so hard, but I?m not afraid of him. The truth is when I was told that I?m going to fight him, what really scares me is that the fight might be cancelled,? said Kiatwichean through his interpreter Narung Hengtrakul.
?I am not a very good boxer, but if he will fight with me toe-to-toe, let?s just see what is going to happen. I do not talk so much, I will just send my message tomorrow (today) night on the ring,? added the 34-year-old Thai father of two, who had to shed a pound before reaching the 130-pound limit during yesterday?s official weigh-in at the RWS Gym.
In the supporting main event of the eight-bout slugfest, World Boxing Association top minimumweight contender and WBA Fedelatin champion Ioka Gejon (20-0-1, 12KOs) will clash with another Thai warrior in Namchai Thaksinisarn (5-14, 1KO) in a non-title bout set for 10 rounds.
The RWS Promotions International-presented card is also supported by PAGCOR, San Miguel Beer, Maxxis Tires, N & L Export, Olio, The Ching Palace, MC Promotions SDN, BHD. ERB Enterprises, HKNH Link, CAR?s Unlimited, Blue Blade Winery, Cables Specialist, Queen?s Pharmacy, Lapu-Lapu City Mahayahay Cockpit, Brgy. Capt. Mike Ocleasa and Fighter Wine.
