By Rey Danseco
 
UNBEATEN featherweight Rey Labao will make another move to advance his fast-improving career.

Labao will make his first fight outside of his country when he takes on Japanese fighter, Hero Bando, in the historic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan tonight, Nov. 11.

The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds and one of the undercards of a non-title affair between another Filipino, Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight champion Malcolm 'Eagle Eye' Tunacao and unranked Japanese Masahito Igawa.

Labao believed he’s one of the next Filipino world champion prospect next during the time of Luisito Espinosa after taking another impressive stoppage win in his last fight with Nigerian Bright Isaiah Sunday, on August 26 in Mandaluyong City.

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has recognized Labao’s potential by putting him for the first time in its world ranking since October. Labao is ranked No. 38 featherweight contender in the world.

Regional organizations such as World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific and the World Boxing Association’s Pan Asian Boxing Association (PABA) ranked the hard-hitting southpaw from Bebot Elorde Stable in Paranaque City No. 3 and No. 5 respectively.

“I’m ready, 100 percent ready for this fight,” said Labao, who holds a unscathed 12-0 records with eight knockouts in his two-year campaign.

In Labao’s eight KOs, he won it thrice in the first round, twice in the second round and once each in rounds 3 and 4.

“I want to be impressive in my first fight abroad that’s the reason why I will aim a quick job tomorrow (tonight),” said Labao.

Bando climbs the ring with 16-8-6, 8 KOs. He is looking for third win in a row after losing to then future WBA super featherweight champ Edwin Valero, a quick-handed southpaw like Labao, in September last year.

Tunacao (20-1-3, 14 KOs) will make his first non-title fight after coming off in two defenses of his title with a controversial draw against Kohei Ohba on February 5 and an impressive knockout win in the 11th round against Yasuo Kijima last May 6.                Igawa has mediocre 8-2-1, 2 KOs record.