By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Louie Bantigue (15-12-6, 6 KO’s) goes after the Pan Asia Boxing Association and the vacant WBO Asia Pacific flyweight titles against Thailand’s Tepparith Singwancha (8-2, 5 KO’s) in Petchaburi, Thailand on Friday .
Bantigue who lost by a 3rd round TKO to former WBO super flyweight champion Marvin Sonsona on May 8, 2009 came back to win his next three fights with a knockout win over Javier Malulan last December 20, 2009, a unanimous ten round decision over Edwin Picardal on January 14, 2010 and an eight round unanimous decision over Arjet Caballes who, according to boxrec.com had a record of six losses and no wins.
Tepparith retained the PABA interim title with a 3rd round TKO over Filipino Marvin Tampus on March 26, 2010 after scoring a 1st round TKO over Apol Suico who reportedly fought in Thailand without the proper clearance from the Games and Amusements Board.
The Thai fighter first won the interim PABA title with an 11th round unanimous decision over veteran Nino Suelo on December 25, 2009.
On the same card Joel De La Cruz (10-9-1, 4 KO’s) takes on talented WBC No. 6 ranked Prawet Singwancha (39-3-2, 23 KO’s) in a six round welterweight bout.
The 33 year old Prawet won the vacant WBC International light welterweight title with a unanimous twelve round decision over tough Indonesian Heri Andriyanto on April 16, 2009 and retained it with a 3rd round TKO over another Indonesian boxer Stevie Ferdinandus on August 25, 2009.
Prawet successfully defeded nis crown with a 5th round knockout over Filipno Eusebio Baluarte on February 12 this year and then won a six round decision over Jonathan Simamora on April 23, 2010.