By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Promising Federico Catubay who scored a tenth round TKO over veteran Jerry Pahayahay to win the Philippine flyweight crown last January 3 fights Australia's Hussein Hussein for the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation title in Sydney on February 6 according to well-known Cebu boxing patron Tony Aldeguer.
The news was confirmed by respected international referee/judge Bruce McTavish who indicated he would probably referee another big fight on the same card. After dropping a split decision to Sarikalek Eakarin for the WBC Asian Boxing Council light flyweight title on February 2 last year, Catuban ran up three successive victories including a split decision triumph over former world champion Yo-Sam Choi of South Korea in Seoul. Prior to the title fight against Pahayahay, Catubay hammered Yura Dima into submission in seven rounds in Chonchun, Korea. The tough Filipino managed by Sammy Gello-ani is expected to have a hard time against the 29 year old Hussein Hussein, a protégé of former world champion Jeff Fenech. Nicknamed "Hussi" the 5'6' fighter who is world rated has an impressive 25-1 record with 20 knockouts. His only setback was a unanimous decision loss to world WBC flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam on November 14, 2003.
Hussein Hussein is coming off three big wins last year. He scored a second round TKO against Pedek Shandra on March 21, a fifth round TKO over Dozer Tobing on April 16 and a fifth round KO over Yoppie Benu on December 10, 2004.
