By Ronnie Nathanielsz
World-rated Randy Suico faces a tough defense of his Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation lightweight title against rugged Japanese Nihito Arakawa on September 20 at the famed Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
The 28 year old Suico who has a record of 28-3 with 24 knockouts is ranked No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation, No. 8 by the World Boxing Association and No. 9 by the World Boxing Council.
Arakawa who is 26 years old has an impressive record of 13-1 with 9 knockouts. He is coming off a 5th round TKO over Indonesia’s Jamed Jalarante last June 1. The Japanese is ranked No. 6 by the OPBF in its latest ratings.
Suico, on the other hand scored a 3rd round knockout over Thai patsy Songkom Jockygm who had a record of only 3 against 14 defeats and 3 draws last April 21.
One of the Philippines best prospects for a world title in previous years Suico’s career was regrettably stymied by a roster of patsies being fed to him and although he retained his OPBF title he hardly improved because of the absence of fighters who would provide him with a real test of his undoubted potential.
As a result when he was matched against quality opponents he was beaten.
On May 28, 2004 Suico lost a controversial split decision in a WBC super featherweight eliminator to Mzonke Fana of South Africa. On September 23, 2005 he dropped a majority ten round decision to former IBF world champion Javier Jauregui and then on July 15, 2006 Suico suffered a ninth round TKO in a WBA title fight against then champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz.
Suico possesses a stinging left jab and power in either hand but the lack of solid opponents most of the time has resulted in slowing him down because of the caliber of his opponents which made his fights easy.
However, against Arakawa the hard-hitting Suico is likely to be tested.
