LAS VEGAS – Randy Suico, the man they called ‘Komong Bato,’ (Hands of stone) gets his crack at a world title this morning (Manila time) as he challenges Juan Diaz of Mexico for the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here.
Suico, a native of Mandaue City in Cebu, is considered one of the most prolific Filipino punchers today, carrying an impressive 24-2-0 record, with 21 of them coming by way of knockout.
But he’ll be up against the 22-year old reigning champion, who has been undefeated in 29 fights (14 by KOs) and successfully defended the title three times.
Diaz, who represented Mexico in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, defeated Mongolian Lakva Sim on points in 2004 to become the youngest lightweight champion in 30 years.
The 12-round slugfest serves as the undercard in the rematch between Sugar Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas.
Both Suico and Diaz easily tipped the 135-lb limit during yesterday’s official weigh-in.
Diaz was the first to step on the scales followed by Suico, who walked in sporting a nice blue and white warm-up suit and brand new white athletic shoes.
The 26-year old Suico is coming in as a last minute substitute after the supposed rematch with Sim didn’t push through following the retirement of the Mongolian fighter from the sport.
His manager Joe Koizumi said they are looking to pounce on the opportunity given to them, in the same manner Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao did when he upset the durable Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001 to win the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight crown on short notice.
Originally, Suico was set to battle Silverio Ortiz, also of Mexico, in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Oscar Larios bout at the Araneta Coliseum recently, but was pulled out of the boxing card when Sim backed out of his rematch with Diaz.
