RANDY “Kumo’ng Bato” Suico will have his hands full when he defend his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight belt against No.2 Japanese challenger Koji Samejima here in Cebu on July 21.
Promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud is yet to announce the venue.
This will be Suico’s second reign defense after taking the title in October 2006 over Pongpetch Chuwatana of Thailand.
He had a tough time catching up with the quick-footed Tomonori Nakagawa last April 23 but a full heart took him to a unanimous win over the Japanese challenger in his first defense.
Suico is expected to be spic-and-span this year as another match against rock-punching Japanese fighter Keita Manabe looms in the horizon.
The 27-year-old Suico, however, is the shorter fighter in this contest. The Mandaue City boxer will fight against the 5-foot-10 Samejima, who is enjoying an inch-and-a-half over the Filipino champion.
Suico holds a 26-3 (22KOs) while Samejima, who is on a four-fight winning streak, including three straight by knockouts, parades a 15-1-1, 6KOs record.
On May 21 last year Samejima knocked out Denlangoo Tor Tiebkoon in six rounds, followed by a second-round knockout over Filipino Dexter Delada last Oct. 8 then by another second round knockout over Songnarong Kiatsingnoi last December.
Underneath the main event is the long missed Eriberto “Yukka” Gejon fighting in a 10-round non-title match against a yet to be named opponent.
Gejon who holds a 23-1-1 win-loss-draw record, including 14 by knockout, displayed his wares last March when he scored a unanimous decision win over Wisan Sor Suchanya, and preceded by a TKO win in second round over Yoddoi Sithsoei last September, both held in Manila.
The world-rated Gejon has not fought in Cebu since early 2005 and is eager to bring back his ring prowess as he is now lined up for another world title crack.
