By Dennis Principe
16.08 - REIGNING WBC International light-flyweight champion Juanito Rubillar of the Philippines plans to follow the footsteps of world champion Manny Pacquiao and ex-world superflyweight king Gerry Peñalosa when he faces Takayuki Korogi of Japan on August 20 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Rubillar’s fight against Korogi will serve as one of the undercards of a big boxing card headlined by Peñalosa’s WBC International title defense against Seiji Tanaka of Japan. Pacquiao will also see action in the same card by facing former world champion Jesus “Hawaiian Punch” Salud in a three-round exhibition match.
The WBC #2 ranked Rubillar is hoping that a win over Korogi will elevate him to the top position and eventually vie for the regular WBC title currently held by one-time tormentor Jorge “Travieso” Arce of Mexico.
“I have to make an impressive performance because I’m sure a good number of crowd will watch this boxing event considering that Peñalosa and Pacquiao will fight in the same card.” Said Rubillar. “ I hope to get my own set of fans after this match”
The Mati, Davao born Rubillar twice fought for the world title but lost by decision to Zolani Petelo for the IBF title December of 1999 in South Africa. He then dropped a disputed decision to Arce for the WBC title in Tijuana, Mexico October of last year.
Rubillar (26-8-6, 9 KO’s) assured this time that he already know how to deal with Arce’s style and is
confident that his much improved strength and inspirations from the success of Pacquiao and Peñalosa will be enough to knock out Arce and become the country’s newest toast in boxing.
“This is my third and possibly my last chance at the world title that is why I give my very best when it comes to my training.” added the 25-year old Rubillar.
Rubillar’s most impressive win was against ex-IBF champion Nico Thomas of Indonesia who was stopped in the 6th round in Guam last 1999.
Korogi, former Japanese champion with a record of 10 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws with 4 KO’s is definitely no patsy. He holds a win over Tanaka, the same boxer whom Peñalosa will face in the same card promoted by Elorde International Production.
