By Rey Danseco
The promoter of reigning WBO Asia Pacific flyweight champion Rexon Flores is eyeing a veteran Korean junior flyweight contender as Flores' second challenger in the Philippines.
Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. has offered to the camp of Wook-ki Lee a shot For Flores’ prestigious regional title on March 11.
Elorde had just came back to Manila last night from Baguio City where he personally negotiated a tie-up with a local boxing promoter to stage the championship bout at the Baguio City Convention Center or elsewhere in the “Summer Capital”.
The finality of the bout if it will be held in Baguio City will be known until Friday.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the world by WBO, Flores is obliged to put his title on the line until March against a challenger of his choice.
The 5-foot-4 boxer-puncher of Paranaque City by way Cadiz City scored two knockdowns in the third round en route to a unanimous decision win in his only title defense against the durable Alwi Alhabsy of Indonesia on May 14, 2005. The bout was shown on a slightly-delayed telecast on national television from Olivares Gym in Paranaque City.
If given a green light by the WBO, Lee would see action before a hostile Filipino crowd for the third time.
Lee figured in a first round draw in his Philippine debut in February 1996 with Marlon Carillo, one of only eight fighters who went in a distance against then future superstar Manny Pacquiao.
On Lee’s next appearance in April 1997, he took a first round knockout at the hands of Pacquiao, who then had a 17-1 record, in Makati City.
Lee is reportedly learned from his loses to Pacquiao as he riding a decent winning streak.
