June 18, 2011
TOKYO, JAPAN
Following the OPBF bantam champ Malcolm Tunacao’s latest relinquishment, the vacant regional belt will be disputed by highest available OPBF contenders #1 Jerope Zuiyama Mercado (23-1-3, 8 KOs) and #3 Rolly Matsushita Lunas (28-8-1, 16 KOs) in Kobe, Japan, on July 31. Funny enough, both are Japan-based Filipinos as ex-champ Malcolm. Lunas once fought Anselmo Moreno in a quest for the WBA bantam belt, losing a nearly shutout decision in Panama in 2008. Mercado went abroad and battled Vusi Malinga for the WBC international 118-pound belt to a split draw in South Africa in 2007. It will be a competitive bout with the good and strong campaigners.
(6-18-11)