By Rey Danseco
OLYMPIAN Danilo Lerio aims to resume fighting in the paid ranks after nearly a two year layoff.
The 5-foot-4 Philippine bets in the light flyweight class in the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and numerous international amateur boxing championships is rigidly training for two months under Warren Jaro, who is a Games and Amusement Board-licensed ring official, at his brother’s gym in Binangonan, Rizal.
Lerio, along with his new manager Ailjoe Jaro, and veteran matchmaker Erbing Jardenil has on-going negotiation for a 6-round flyweight bout tentatively set on September 24.
Lerio used to fight under the wings of brothers Gov. Manny and Soc Piñol of North Cotabato until he decided to hang up his gloves after his fifth professional fight which he won over light-punching Philip Parcon over eight rounds on Nov. 9, 2003 at North Cotabato Provincial Gymnasium in Kidapawan City.
Lerio, who has 5-1 win-loss records without a knockout win in his 14 months campaign from Sept. 2002, quit boxing few months after his unanimous decision over Parcon. He turned on selling rice in his hometown in Antipas, North Cotabato as source of living.
“He is determined to resume his career in (professional) boxing,” said Jaro. “He stays in here (our stable).”
Lerio, a southpaw, serves as chief sparmate of RP light flyweight king Sonny Boy Jaro, who is preparing for another title defense on Oct. 25 in Trece Martirez, Cavite against Alfred Nagal.
“Danilo is very capable to win titles (in the future), he has remarkable hand speed and good lateral movements,” said Jaro. “He’s a southpaw and fit to spars with Sonny Boy because he’s tall, long reach and quick. Maybe quicker and better than (Alfred) Nagal.”
Lerio lost out to Spain's Rafael Lozano, 17-15, in the quarter-finals in Sydney Olympics.
