World Boxing Council No. 3 and OPBF super-featherweight king Randy “Komong Bato” Suico will once again see action in front of his hometown crowd as he defends his title against Thai Muangfahlek Kiatwichean on April 27 at the Lapu-Lapu Sports Complex.
Dubbed “Kadaugan sa Mactan,” the card will feature Suico in his fourth title defense against the power-punching Thai, and just his second fight since losing a disputed split decision to South Africa’s Mzonke Fana, whom Marco Antonio Barrera stopped in two lop-sided rounds last April 9.
“This is going to be a highly-competitive fight. It’s a holiday in Lapu-Lapu on that day, and fans are expected to troop to Suico’s fight,” said promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud in an interview with this writer yesterday.
Ranked no. 3 by the WBC behind Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao, Suico hopes a win over the tough Thai will pave the way for a world-title crack in the near future, possibly against Barrera for the WBC 130-lb crown.
The 25-year-old Suico is currently training at Cebu’s famed ALA Gym, sparring against the likes of WBF junior welter champ Dindo Casta?ares and RP welter boss Dondon Sultan.
On the undercard, WBA no. 1 strawweight Yukka “Wiseguy” Gejon takes on Thai toughie Namchai Thaksinisan. The undefeated Gejon (20-0-1, 12 KO’s) will use this bout as his final tune-up go before a crack at WBA 105-lb kingpin Yutaka Niida of Japan.
The rest of the card pits Louie Bantigue against William Macas (8 rds); Gabriel Pumar versus Emer Barrientos (8 rds); Alex Aroy against Allan Dugang (8 rds); Apol Suico versus Dodong Salde (4 rds); Jomar Matbagon against Alvin Mundala (4rds) and Bryan Rosal versus Jun Canamo (4 rds).
April 15, 2005.
