When Rodel Mayol quit after a two-month stay with the Philippine amateur boxing training pool to join the professional ranks, he only had one dream – the world title.
After being bypassed on two occasions, Mayol finally gets the chance to become world champion tonight when he challenges World Boxing Council straw-weight champion Eagle Kyowa at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Kyowa, a Japan-based Thai champion, will make his second title defense after dethroning Katsunari Takayama last August.
On TV
“This happened because of my manager Yasuo Matsuoka. Without him, I may never fight for this title,” Mayol told Sun.Star Cebu, in a telephone interview yesterday. “And because he believes in me and my countrymen are praying for my success, I will never frustrate them. I’ll do whatever it takes to bring home the title.”
The fight will be aired in the Philippines on Solar Sports tonight starting at 8:30 p.m.
“I guess Rodel is very ready. He is mentally and physically prepared,” said trainer Brix Flores.
In yesterday’s weigh-in, Mayol tipped the scales at 104.5 pounds, while Kyowa, who parades a 15-1 win-loss card with six KOs, hit the 105lb limit.
“When I looked at him (Kyowa), he looked pale, probably because of his trying to weigh down to the limit. But it only took him one try at the scale. This is going to be a good fight and I think this fight will go to the distance,” said Flores.
And when their pulse beats were taken, Mayol’s pulse rate was only 46 beats a minute, while Kyowa had 77 per.
“It says that Rodel is very prepared and he is confidence level is very high. I don’t know if Kyowa was either nervous or anxious but as I saw it this indications favors Mayol,” explained Flores.
Neutral officials were assigned by WBC to official this fight. The referee is Vic Drakulich, while the three judges are Gale Van Hoy and Chuck Hasset of the US and Alejandro Rochin of Mexico.
Chuck Williams of the US will supervise the fight.
The undefeated Mayol (22-0 with 17 KOs) said he will dedicate the fight to his fellow Mandauehanons, who will celebrate their annual fiesta in honor of patron saint St. Joseph tomorrow.
“I hope St. Joseph will help me so we will have more reason to celebrate during the fiesta,” said Mayol.
The Mandaue City Government is preparing a handsome incentive should the 24-year-old fighter from Barangay Alang-Alang brings home the title.
Pacquiao’s presence
“I’ll include him in my prayers and I am confident that he will win this title and he can give big honor to Mandaue City,” said Mandaue City Sports Commission chairman Cheryl Ouano.
Reportedly, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was invited by Matsuoka to watch the fight and boost Mayol’s confidence. However, it is not certain if Pacquiao accepted the invitation.
Meanwhile, another Mandaue City native fighter, former WBC flyweight champion Malcolm Tu?acao, will defend his Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation bantamweight belt against Japanese Yasuo Kijima in the undercard.
