March 13, 2005
CEBU, PHILIPPINES-WBC #4 ranked Randy Suico (22-1, 19 KOs), a Filipino hard-puncher making his fourth defense, will put his OPBF 130-pound belt on the line against Thai national champ Muangfahalek Kiwawichien in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Island, Philippines, on April 27. Originally slated on April 9, it was put off because of Suicofs back pain, which will recover in some weeks. The date of April 27 is so historical that Lapu-Lapu, a native resident in Cebu, defended their territory against Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan who led the Spanish conquistadores and set back the Spanish colonization in 1521. Itfs a national holiday in the Philippines. Suico tasted his sole setback by a split decision (114-111, 115-111 and 113-114) to Mzonke Fana (who will have a shot at Marco Antonio Barrera on April 9) in a WBC eliminator to decide the official challenger in Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 28 last. The hard-hitting Muangfahlek is the Thai champ in the Muay-thai and the international style boxing as well. It is promoted by Cebuano influential impresario Rex Wakee Salud.
(3-13-05)