July 22, 2006
TOKYO, JAPAN
Hard-hitting Filipino lightweight Randy Suico (24-3, 21 KOs) will face Thailander Pongpetch Chuwatana in a quest for the vacant OPBF 135-pound belt in Cebu, Philippines, on October 7, though he failed in his first crack at the world throne against Juan Diaz, the WBA ruler, in Las Vegas on July 15. Suico showed his physical strength and potential power despite his loss via ninth round stoppage by Diaz. Rex Wakee Salud, the influential promoter in Cebu and advisor to Manny Pacman Pacquiao, hopes to have Suico re-establish his career by winning the vacant regional throne. The Suico-Pongpetch elimination bout was once scheduled on August 5, but was postponed since Suico had a shot at the WBA belt on behalf of Lakva Sim on a three-week notice.
(7-22-06)