Lagonero Faces Meenayothin on 6/26 in Thailand

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

The Philippines Roel Lagonero goes after the WBC Youth straw-weight title of champion Wanheng Meenayothin of Thailand on June 26 in the northeastern city of Nakorn Ratchasima .
 
Wanheng is currently ranked No.9 in the world by the WBC behind Oleydong Sithsamerchai who is from the same gym.   
 
Wanheng who won the vacant title  with a 1st round knockout over Ma Yi Ming of China on March 30, 2007 has had five successful title defenses including victories over Filipino challengers Dennis Juntillano, and Arman dela Cruz as well as a win over Ardin Diale in a non-title bout and wins over Indonesia’s Sofyan Efendi, Korea’s Jo Kuk Chok and Indonesia’s Adi Nukung in title fights.
 
Wanheng is undefeated and has a record of 9-0 with 3 knockouts while Lagonero, nicknamed “The Banker” has a record of 7-3-2 with 4 knockouts.
 
He lost a majority decision to talented Michael Landero in a Philippine Boxing Federation title fight last December 27,2008 in a rematch after their first meeting ended in a second round technical draw on June 20, 2008.
 
Lagonero’s most impressive win so far was a first round knockout over the previously undefeated Ronel Ferreras who was 6-0 on August 24, 2008.