By Rey Danseco
FEATHERWEIGHT prospect Rey Labao knows what are at risk when he takes on Nigerian Bright Isaiah Sunday in the main event later today at the Mandaluyong City gymnasium, Philippines.
“I can’t afford to loss this fight, so I must protect myself at all times while trying to finish him off early in the fight,” said Labao, who will try to improve his unblemished 11-0 mark with 7 by knockouts in his two-year career.
Labao wants to use the non-title fight as his last or possibly to warm up fights for the anticipated shot at World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific featherweight title.
The 22-year old southpaw from Candayuman in Liloan town in Southern Leyte is ranked No. 1 by WBO Asia Pacific and rated No. 2 in the Philippines.
Sunday knows he will become the first Nigerian pro-boxer to see action in the Philippines and he finds the country as good venue to advance his young career.
The 25-year old former two-time Nigerian amateur champion from Owo, Ondo State is riding in 7-0 record with 3 knockouts as a pro. But he displayed the skills of 15-fight veteran when he engaged former RP featherweight champ Baby Lorona Jr. in good sparring session before the officials of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) last week in St. Rita Village, Paranaque City.
“Sunday might give Labao a good fight, a difficult fight,” said promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr., who stage the fight as part of birthday presents of Mayor Boyet Gonzales for his constituents. “It’s a free boxing, presents of Mayor Gonzales for the people of Mandaluyong. The 29th will be his birthday.”
Labao is slightly favored because of his aggressive style like former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson. In Labao’s seven KOs, he won it thrice in the first round, twice in the second round and once each in rounds 3 and 4.
Labao tipped the scale 124 pounds while Sunday is a pound heavier in the official weigh in at GAB office in Makati City yesterday.
Co-featured will be the 10-round lightweight clash between Lorona and veteran Jun Alba and the 10-round bantamweight fight between former PBF champ Jun Talape and WBF International king Mark Sales.
To complete the 11-fight, 68 rounds card, includes: Drian Francisco vs Jongjong Gagante (8-rounds, 112-lb), Benjie Aceron vs Dexter Mendoza (6, 122-lb), lady boxers Baina Londo vs Jujeath Nagawa (4, 110-lb), Raymond Sermona vs Jonathan Martos (6, 119-lb), Hilsan Berba vs Val Villorante (4, 121-lb), Ronquillo Salvador vs JR Molina (4, 115-lb), Marlo Villamor vs Climer Mendoza (4, 106-lb), and Christopher Bacal vs Mark Jones (4, 125-lb).
First bell rings around 6 pm.
