| |
|
LABAO CHALLENGES OPBF CHAMP KATO TOMORROW IN TOKYO
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 04 Oct 2013
Philippine Lightweight Champion OPBF No.1 and WBO No. 4 Rey "Malone" Labao (24W(16KO)-4L -0D) of Lilo-an, Southern Leyte will challenge reigning OPBF Champion Yoshitaka Kato of Tokyo, Japan on Oct. 05, 2013 at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo Japan.
Labao the current No. 1 contender in lightweight division and the mandatory challenger of Kato, who got the vacant title last May 04, 2013 when he defeated his fellow Japanese Motoki Suzuki by unanimous decision. Kato who carries a record of 25W(7KO) 4L 1D is currently the OPBF Lightweight Champion and WBC No.11.
At the official weigh-in today at the office of Japanese Boxing Commission the champ Kato tipped the scales at exactly 135 lbs. while Rey Labao comfortably weighed 134.5 lbs.
Asked by the Japanese television what he thinks of Kato and whether he has seen the fights he answered "Yes I was able to see his fights when I have my sparring session here in Japan. He is a fighter and I believe he is good and I have my respect for him as the Champion BUT I am prepared for this fight and I have train and prepared for 3 months for this fight in SGG training camp in Baliangao, Misamis Occ. and I feel good today and my weight no problem at all. I am ready for Kato tomorrow on what he can bring inside the ring and with GOD's blessing I want to win and pursue my ambition to become a World Champion".
Rey "Malone" Labao will be assisted in his corner by his trainer Celso Epanto. He is likewise accompanied by his promoter Sammy Gello-ani.
One of the three officials scoring the bout is Filipino judge Edgardo Olalo.
The title fight is scheduled at 7:30 p.m at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Oct. 05, 2013.
Photo: Rey Labao (R) and Yoshikata Kato (L) pose during today's weighin.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Is Floyd chickening out?
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026Bacaro to challenge Toyoshima on April 4
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026IBA steps forward as potential organiser for Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy bout
, Wed, 01 Apr 2026PBF president Almario dies
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026Portland Trail Blazers have new owner after $4.25 billion sale
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Apr 20262 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 01 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 MARCH 2026: Itauma Destroys Franklin in 5; Fundora Dismantles Thurman in 6
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026Panamanian WBC Judge Jesus Aleman murdered in Panama
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026‘I won’t be holding anything back! – Big Bad Bazley challenges The Pilgrim Ryan Williams for Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
, Tue, 31 Mar 2026ZAYAS AND BOOTS CLASH IN UNIFIED BLOCKBUSTER AT BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN ON JUNE 27 – LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE ON DAZN PPV
, Tue, 31 Mar 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
, Tue, 31 Mar 202613-0 prospect Marco Romero hasn’t lost a Fight in nearly 7 years and he’s only 20
, Tue, 31 Mar 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO ANNOUNCES NEW DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 16 – FOR LIVE PROFESSIONAL SUMO EVENT AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
, Tue, 31 Mar 2026Filipino boy, 15, wins US chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 31 Mar 202660 Years of Top Rank: Bob Arum’s First Fight Launched a Boxing Empire
, Mon, 30 Mar 2026Lebron James and son Bronny make NBA History
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 30 Mar 2026Bryan Acosta Wins WBA Continental Americas Featherweight Championship with Unanimous Decision over Ronny Rios in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Thunder Studios in Long Beach
, Sun, 29 Mar 2026Filipino boy, 9, wins in Canada chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Mar 2026Vagabov and Ziyaev crowned champions at IBA Bare Knuckle 4 in Saint Petersburg
, Sun, 29 Mar 2026Sherwin Tiu captures Kamatyas Open Chess crown
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Mar 2026Fundora vs Thurman: Can Keith Thurman Shake Off The Rust?
By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026Albert Ramirez Against Lerrone Richards for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight World Title on June 4 in Montreal!
, Sat, 28 Mar 2026GM Daniel Quizon is the Favorite in 19th Kamatyas
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026Weights From ‘Acosta vs. Rios’ Event from Thunder Studios in Long Beach, Calif., and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
, Sat, 28 Mar 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC maintains priority of the defense of fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
