By Benjie Varella – Two young Filipino boxing prospects proved too strong against their Tanzanian opponents as both registered convincing victories last Saturday at the Medina Gymnasium, Ozamis City, Philippines.
Tagged as War In Ozamiz: Asia Vs Africa, both matches did not last long as Jundy “Pretty Boy” Maraon knocks out Tanzanian opponent Anthony Mathias in the 6th round defending and retaining his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Bantamweight title..
In the main undercard, Filipino Rommel “Little Assasin” Asenjo won the vacant WBO Miniflyweight Oriental title as he easily disposed Tanzanian fighter Sadiki Abdulazizi. Abdulazizi just couldn’t handle the powerful barrage of punches from the iron-fists of Asenjo. The bout was stopped at 2:59 of the first round.
Maraon is still undefeated with a record of 14 wins with 11 coming by way of knockout while compatriot Asenjo improved his record to 14 wins, 2 losses with 12 victories by way of knockout.
Meanwhile, after a successful campaign, two Filipino fighters will be put to the test as they prepare for battle this time with strong and popular Thai fighters.
Headlined as Philippines Vs Thailand, WBO Intercontinental Jr. Featherweight champion Rammie Laput (37-2-0, 20kos) will defend his title against Thai former world champion Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (74-11, 49kos).
Vorapin is not new to Filipino fight fans. He was defeated by Michael Domingo and veteran fighter and future Hall of Famer Gerry Penalosa twice.
In the co-main event, Marvin “Marvellous” Sonsona (12, 0, 11kos), believed to be the future boxing supertar of the Philippines will face two-time world champion Wandee Singwancha (57-10-1, 12ko’s) for the vacant WBO Oriental Flyweight title.
Several Filipino boxers have tasted defeat from Singwancha. Among them are the Rubillar brothers, Juanito and Ernesto, Rolando Toyogan, and three Philippine boxing champions; Flash Murillo, Jojo Bardon and Lito Dangud.
To date this will be the toughest fight Sonsona will encounter. His path to a world title will be tested come fight day.
The battle is set on Thursday (May 28 Manila time) and will take place at the Cebu Coliseum, Philippines.