Cuello Faces Matsumoto on Donaire-Martinez Card

By Rey Danseco

Philippine champion Denver Cuello will takes on hard-working Japanese fighter Hiroshi Matsumoto for the vacant WBC International minimumweight title on April 19 at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines.

Matsumoto acquired the chance in the championship bout after the negotiations faltered with Filipino boxer Mating Kilakil and former International Boxing Federation minimumweight boss Muhammad Rachman.

Matsumoto, who will turn 32 years old in June, is a two-time Japan national boxing title challenger. He lost both fight by decision.

In Matsumoto’s last 10 fights since 2004, he won only thrice, one of those victories was against Julius Alcos via eight round decision.

Aside from Alcos, the Tokyo-based fighter from Fukuoka, has beaten three other patsy Filipino fighters in Jojo Riones (TKO 9), Allan Llanita (KO 6), and Ruel Maca (Pts 6).

The 22-year old Cuello is rated No. 11, much higher than Matsumoto’s No. 40 standing in WBC rankings.

Cuello took the Philippine title in July 2007 when he beat the former WBC International minimumweight king Arman dela Cruz over 12 round decisions. He defended the belt thrice.

At the top of the card dubbed “The Fast and The Furious”, IBF-IBO flyweight champion Nonito Donaire and IBF light flyweight king Ulises Solis of Mexico takes on separate challengers.

Donaire faces American Raul Martinez from Texas while Solis takes on former WBC light flyweight champion Brian Viloria, whose parents are Filipinos.