By Carlos Costa
The battle will be March 29 when undefeated WBC 105 lbs. world champion Wanheng Menayothin (52-0, 18 KO's) of Northeastern Thailand, makes the 11th defense of his green & golden belt against WBC # 6 challenger Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6-6, 7 KO's) of Japan, on Friday March 29 in the land of combat and Muay Thai, the Kingdom of Thailand.
The two men already fought back in November of 2017 with the skilled Wanheng outboxing the Japanese challenger to retain his world title in a well-deserved unanimous decision win
Once again the superior Menayothin (also known as Chayaphon Moonsri), is heavily favorite to dominate the taller Fukuhara; although in boxing anything is possible.
Wanheng vs Fukuhara 2 - produced by promoter Piyarat Wachirarattanawong of Diamond Boxing - will be aired live on Thai channel CH7.
FILIPINO 105-POUNDERS EYE ON, WHY?
Wanheng vs Fukuhara 2 is interesting to fighters and hardcore Filipino boxing fans because a good number of Pinoy 105-pounders could eventually climb the ring to battle the winner.
One is Melvin "Gringo" Jerusalem (14-2, 8 KO's) of Cebu's ALA Boxing Stable.
Highly ranked as WBC # 2, Jerusalem might want to target a second world title shot against Menayothin. They fought two years ago.
However, a second clash against the skilled Thai is not Jerusalem's only path as "Gringo" is also ranked by the WBO - where the belt-holder is his fellow Filipino Vic Saludar - as well as by the IBF where the world titlist is brand new champ Deejay Kriel (15-1-1, 7 KO's) of South Africa.
Also among the top-fifteen WBC 105-pounders is Filipino Albay-native "The Rattle Snake" Pedro Taduran (13-2, 10 KO's).
Promoted by Hardstone Monis Boxing Stable, "Rattle Snake" Taduran, 22, also already collided against Menayothin last August, taking the more-experienced Thai champion to a blow-by-blow war for the whole twelve chapters.
In fact, it is due to Taduran's good presentation against the unbeaten Thai world champion that he still stays rated as WBC # 9.
In addition, former world title challenger Davaoeño Mark Anthony Barriga (9-1, 1 KO), a tactician boxer who has been guided by Survival Camp coach Joven Jimenez, is WBC # 13. "Baby Boy" is also ranked by the IBF and the WBA.
Other promising Filipino minimumweight fighters making waves in the division, include Cagayan de Oro boy Marco John Rementizo (9-3, 6 KO's), Jonathan Refugio (20-6-5, 6 KO's of Bukidnon, Negros fighter Toto Landero (10-4-2, 2 KO's), hard-hitting young Gensan warrior Vince Paras (13-2, 11 KO's) veteran Boholano Lito "Naruto" Dante (15-10-4, 7 KO's) and unbeaten Bukidnon-native Robert Inggo Paradero (17-0, 11 KO's).
That is not all. More encouraging 105-pounders are Zamboangueño Rene Mark Cuarto (16-1-1, 9 KO's), tough Negros warrior Johnmichael Zulueta (9-0-2, 3 KO's), hard-swinging Mindanao prince Samuel Salva (16-0, 10 KO's), dangerous Leyteño Ganoza Cris (17-2, 8 KO's) and undefeated 19 year-old Ariston Aton (7-0, 4 KO's) from the Queen City of the South, Cebu.
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama fight reporter living in Cebu. Carlos can be reached by email carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp 09184538152.
