Lopez vs. Park To Be Postponed For Two Weeks

By Rey Danseco

YOUNG Filipino prospect Sylvester Lopez was diagnosed with an acute viral illness and was advised to take a break from training in his scheduled shot for the vacant WBC International super flyweight title.

With this development, Lopez’s scheduled bout against Korean national flyweight champion Jong-Nam Park on March 21 at Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Paranaque City has been move two weeks later with a new venue.

Lopez's illness has paved the way to transfer the scheduled 12-round title bout at Ynares Arena in Pasig City, with support of Governor Casimiro "Jun" Ynares III of Rizal and boxing promoter-manager Lope “Jun” Sarreal, the 12th president of Rotary Club of Rizal Mideast District 3800, to April 4.

“The patient came in with fever, maculopapular rashes, and generalized body weakness,” Dr. Don Benjamin Serrano of Ospital ng Makati certified in his diagnosis dated March 10. “He was diagnosed to have acute viral illness with unknown etiology.”

The 21-year old prodigy from Kabalasan in Zamboanga Sibugay in Southern Philippines was advised to take medicines and increase oral fluid intake, aside from taking a bed rest for five to seven days.

Games and Amusement Board’s physician Dr. Redentor Viernes verified Serrano’s findings and immediately reported it with GAB Boxing Division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, who relayed the information to Korean Boxing Commission and WBC International championship chairman Mauro Betti of Italy.

Promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. was forced to pay a $100 rebooking fee for each of the three-man crew of Team Park , who will arrived later this month.