Flores Aims For WBO Title

By Rey Danseco

FILIPINO fighter Rexon Flores will resume his campaign in a lower division. He will fight for another title under World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Flores, rated No. 8 flyweight in the world by WBO, and Thai import Wisan Sor Suchanya dispute the vacant WBO Intercontinental light flyweight title in the main event of Mayor Melencio de Sagun-supported card on December 15 in Trece Martires City, Philippines.

Flores’ handler Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. and Melencio’s son Melvin de Sagun co-promote the the 12-round title bout.

It is the duo’s second installation in Cavite’s provincial capital after the staging of similar fight for the same 108-pound belt under Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) between ndonesian champion Irfan Ogah and veteran Filipino fighter Juanito Rubillar in October that won by the latter with a 7th round stoppage.

The 23-year-old Filipino was the former WBO Asia Pacific flyweight champion from July 2004 until he lost in spirited challenge against unbeaten WBO flyweight champion Omar Narvaez in a mandatory fight in August in the chilly Cordoba, Argentina.

Flores, a right-handed fighter, will steps in the ring with 16-3-4 win-loss-draw records with 9 knockouts in his career since April 2001. 

Elorde let Flores campaign in 108 pounds class, believing the Paranaque-trained fighter is more comfortable in the weight at 5-foot-4.

“Mas malakas si Rexon kung sa 108-lb siya kakampanya,” said Elorde. “Naging flyweight lang siya dahil may opurtunidad siya noon (2004) para sa WBO title.”

Weighing 110 ½ pounds, Flores captured the vacant WBO Asia pacific flyweight crown when he easily beat previously unbeaten Thai Aree Phosuwangym. He defended the belt twice below the required weight limit and when he fought Narvez, Flores was two-pound below the 112-lb class.

Suchanya, 25, maybe a threat to Flores’ aim of resurgence.

Training in Bangkok under the guidance of Buncha Moonkham, Suchanya (8-3-1, 2 KOs) has two-fight winning streak both by knockouts in the third round against Yodkriengkrai Sithsaithong and first round over Jakkrit Eausamphan.

The Philippines has one reigning WBO intercontinental champion, Benjie Sorolla in the minimumweight division. He won the vacant belt with an impressive second round TKO win over veteran Samransak Singmanassak of Thailand in October in Bacoor, Cavite.