OPBF Commends Elorde For Rubillar-Nakajima

By Rey Danseco
 
THE PRESIDENT of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) has commended the top Filipino promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr for staging a championship fight in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Frank Quill relayed his laud to Elorde in connection with his approval of the proposed first title defense of newly-crowned OPBF light flyweight champion Juanito Rubillar against ninth ranked Ken Nakajima of Japan.

“Thank you for your hard work and major success in bringing OPBF boxing to Hawaii. That is a significant achievement,” Quill told Elorde in an email.

The scheduled title fight will be held on April 24 at the Blaisdell Arena. The popular Filipino-Americans, promoter Roger Clemente and radio commentator Bernie “Kid Dynamite” Munoz of KNDI radio station help Elorde for staging the biggest boxing show in Hawaii in recent years.

“This e-mail is to conditionally sanction OPBF light-flyweight champion Juanito Rubillar…. to make a voluntary defence of his title against the No. 9 contender, Ken Nakajima,” said Quill.

Quill expressed his plan to inform Hubert Minn, president of the OPBF-member body in Hawaii, about the anticipated 12-round clash.

“(I will) request to him (Minn) to kindly work in conjunction with the government body there to appoint an all-Hawaii panel,” said Quill referring to appointment of neutral referee and three judges from the island state.

Rubillar captured the regional crown last October when he demolished top ranked contender and Indonesian champion Irfan Ogah in Trece Martires City.

After this choice defense, Rubillar is obliged to fight the new top ranked and Philippine champion Sonny Boy Jaro in a mandatory fight.

Elorde plans to stage the fight sometime in July.

Originally, Elorde wants to set up Rubillar against former WBC light flyweight king Brian Viloria. He offered $15,000 purse for the Hawaii-born of Filipino parents.

Viloria, who ducked Rubillar in a mandatory fight last year, refused once again to face the more veteran fellow Filipino. He is looking for a possible shot for the soon to be vacant WBC light flyweight belt against Fesubox champ Edgar Sosa of Mexico.

February 2, Elorde will leave Manila for a week-long trip to Hawaii. He will meet Munoz, Clemente and other probable supporters and sponsors.