TOKYO – Eriberto Gejon remains relatively unknown outside his native Cebu province and this is one reason why the longarmed Filipino mandatory challenger is raring to step up the ring and knock the World Boxing Association (WBA) minimum-weight crown off Yutaka Niida’s head Sunday night at the Yokohama Arena.
A far cry from the Hollywood-like reception given to Manny Pacquiao, who is here to provide morale boost, Gejon is aware that a victory will not only make his name popular but will also open up opportunities.
“Ready to fight na, Sir,” Gejon said after weighing in at 104 lbs and consuming ramen, bread and lemon water on Friday afternoon.
The fight starts at 7:10 p.m. (6:10 p.m. in Manila).
Gejon, 26, is the underdog despite his superior win-loss-draw card of 21-01 with 13 knockouts. This fight is going to be only his third overseas assignment following stints in Indonesia and Venezuela.
Niida, 28, is making the third defense of the WBA 105-lb title he won by outpointing Noel Arambulet of Venezuela more than two years ago. Armed with an 18-1-3 mark with eight knockouts, Niida easily passed the grade during the official weighin held at the Korakuen Hall.
“It’s now in Gejon’s hands,” said the challenger’s chief handler Wakee Salud.
