For Rodel Mayol, it’s his chance for a breakthrough world title.
And perhaps a chance, too, to be the country’s next Manny Pacquiao.
Fighting behind such mindset, the unbeaten Filipino from Mandaue, Cebu challenges reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight king Eagle Kyowa in a 12-round bout at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan today.
A southpaw like Pacquiao, easily the most popular Filipino boxer of his generation, Mayol enters the ring carrying an impressive record of 22 wins, no losses, including 17 by knockouts.
In the final press conference for the fight, Mayol didn’t conceal his desire to follow in the footsteps of Pacquiao, a former two-time world champion and now regarded as one of the world’s best, pound-for-pound, following sensational knockout wins over future boxing Hall of Famers Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.
“I wish to win the world title and follow the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao,” said the 24-year old challenger.
Unconfirmed reports had it that Pacquiao is set to fly in the Japanese capital to watch the fight and give Mayol support, although broadcast giant ABS-CBN announced that the Filipino ring icon is currently in General Santos City to start training for his July 2 non-title fight with dangerous Mexican foe Oscar Larios.
True enough, not a shadow of Pacquiao was around when Filipino supporters of Mayol dropped by at yesterday’s official weigh-in led by Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Eric Buhain, fight promoter Rex ‘Wakee’ Salud and WBC no. 10 lightweight contender Randy Suico.
Both fighters didn’t have a tough time making the limit. Kyowa came in exactly at 105 lbs. while Mayol tipped the scales at 104.2 lbs.
Kyowa, a native of Thailand but now based in Japan, is making the second defense of his 105-lbs title since regaining it last August by dethroning Katsunari Takayama.
He scored a seventh round technical knockout (TKO) win over Ken Nakajima in his first title defense last January. Like Mayol, he’s looking forward to retaining his WBC crown.
“I’d like to show my best against the strong challenger and hope to defend my belt,” said the champ, owner of a 15-1, 6 KOs record.
The 27-year old Kyowa first won the WBC minimumweight championship in 2004, defended it once before suffering the first loss of his career with a fourth round TKO to Isaac Bustos of Mexico when he suffered an arm injury during the course of the title bout.
Mayol won the right to challenge Kyowa by stopping Mexican Lorenzo Trejo in their 12-round elimination bout in Cancun, Mexico last February.
While a hometown decision may favor the champion, Mayol believes he can score a knockout win, Kyowa being a fighter that perfectly fits his style.
“Hindi siya masyadong magalaw kaya tingin ko tatamaan ko siya. `Yung right straight niya lang ang medyo delikado, kaya dapat maiwasan ko,” said Mayol, who, incidentally, also beat up Nakajima in a 2001 bout.
American Vic Drakulich will be the third man on the ring while judges are Gale Van Hoy (US), Chuck Hassett (US) and Alejandro Rochin (Mexico).
