ERIBERTO GEJON, who fights for the World Boxing Association (WBA) minimum weight crown on Sept. 25 in Yokohama, Japan, has a simple wish.
Gejon wants boxing star Manny Pacquiao at ringside when he tries to unseat Yutaka Niida at the Yokohama Arena.
“Sana dumating siya at samahan niya ako sa laban,” Gejon said in halting Tagalog from his training headquarters in Cebu City yesterday. “Malaking tulong ang presence niya sa laban ko. Lalo akong gaganahan kapag nanood siya (Pacquiao).”
Informed about Gejon’s wish, Pacquiao said he has requested the fighter’s chief handler, Wakee Salud, to make arrangements for his trip to Tokyo on Sept. 23 via Philippine Airlines.
Pacquiao, who remains in the headlines owing to his sensational victory over Hector Velazquez of Mexico in Los Angeles, said Gejon better come up with a head-turning performance.
“Kapag hindi siya sumuntok, siya ang susuntukin ko,” said Pacquiao laughing out loud alongside Salud.
Pacquiao has only been to Japan once, and it took place years ago when he was still a rising flyweight contender. In his lone appearance on top of a Japanese ring, Pacquiao took out Shin Terao in less than a round.
Gejon, 28, is one of the country’s brightest prospects for a world title.
Standing 5-6 ?, Gejon holds an unblemished record of 21-0-1 with 13 knockouts. He has stopped nine of his last 12 opponents.
