Fresh from his impressive victory in the US where he dominated former unbeaten Mexican hopeful Hernan Marquez, Sarangani rising boxing star Richie Mepranum says he is ready for a title shot against any of the reigning world flyweight champions.
“Bisan kinsa kung ma-skedyul (Anybody if there is a schedule),” the 22-year old Mepranum told reporters during a press conference held at the provincial capitol of Sarangani Monday.
His manager, Maasim mayor Jojo Lopez however said Richie could fight either Koki Kameda of Japan, who holds the World Boxing Council flyweight crown, or Argentinian Omar Narvaez, reigning World Boxing Organization flyweight champion.
Bob Arum’s Top Rank, which signed Richie to a multi-year contract, is reportedly keen on matching up the Maasim-born fighter against Narvaez as the fight could be held in the U.S.
Richie’s last three fights, all of which he won, were held in the U.S.
“Richie is ready for the big stage,” Lopez said.
He improved his record to 22 wins, one loss, and one draw following his victory over Marquez, reportedly a prot?g? of former world boxing champion Marco Antonio Barrera.
His www.boxrec.com record however states that Richie has two losses, one a dubious knockout loss allegedly to Panomroonglek Kratingdaenggym of Thailand.
Lopez however said Richie never fought the Thai.
“His name was used by another boxer. This has been investigated and Richie was already cleared by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB),” Lopez explained.
His other loss was to reigning World Boxing Association flyweight champion Denkaosan Kaovichit whom Richie reportedly battered but still lost via a controversial hometown decision in Thailand.
Lopez said Top Rank is looking for a June of July schedule for Richie’s world title crack.
