January 31, 2005
TOKYO, JAPAN-WBC #3 ranked OPBF 130-pound champ Randy Suico (22-1, 19 KOs), a hard-hitting Filipino prospect, will make his defense of his regional belt against Thai national titlist Muangfahlek Kiatwichien in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines, on April 9.
Also, WBC #7 ranked Dennis Laurente, a lefty Filipino counterpuncher, will put his OPBF lightweight belt again on the line against Japanese prospect Chikashi Inada in Tokyo, Japan, on March 5.
Suico dropped a split verdict to WBC #2 ranked Mzonke Fana in Johannesburg last May though flooring the South African twice in the second and fourth session. It was competed to decide the official challenger to the WBC 130-pound champ, and Fana obtained the right to fight the current kingpin Marco Antonio Barrera, as confirmed in the last WBC convention in Phuket, Thailand. Suico became obliged to wait for his turn by patiently defending his regional belt. The Filipino, residing in Cebu, kept his OPBF throne by dispatching Indonesian champ Ibrahim there last October after his sole setback in South Africa. The Suico vs. Muangfahlek title bout will be promoted by Cebuano influential impresario Rex Wakee Salud.
It’s their grudge fight, as Laurente retained his belt by a majority verdict here last October. It was such a close affair, as Inada showed his fine opening attacks, but Laurente dominated middle rounds with his hit-and-grab tactics, and the Japanese desperately retaliated in late rounds. The official tallies were: 115-115 by a Korean referee, 115-114 by a Japanese judge, and 119-109 by a Filipino judge, both for Laurente. Akihiko Honda, the promoter of Inada, became furious against the Filipino judge’s inexplicably too lopsided score and sent his strong protest to the OPBF headquarters. Inada, a 5’10” lanky jabber, has improved a lot, but Laurente is a very puzzling southpaw, so this rematch will be as competitive as their first encounter. Honda will ask the GAB (the Philippine commission) to delegate a fair and square judge this time. The OPBF title bout, in accordance with the rules and regulations, is tallied by each one judge of the contestants’ native countries and a scoring referee.
(1-31-05)