Elmer Gejon vies for WBC Int'l title in South Africa today

Cebuano ringster Elmer Gejon of RWS Stable will take up what is by far the biggest fight in his career as he battles South African star Tshepo Lefele today in a 12-round war for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International light flyweight title at the Orient Theatre in East London, South Africa.

Fighting at enemy lines is truly a herculean task for Gejon, but the reigning Philippine minimumweight champion hopes to draw strength and inspiration from fellow Cebuano Bert Batawang of SGG Stable, who scored a historic triumph in South Africa last year.

In November 2004, Batawang hacked out a spectacular seventh round knockout of world-rated African Sipthembele Kibiti to win the WBA Pan-African jr. flyweight crown and in the process became the first ever Filipino boxer to win a championship bout in South Africa.

The Mandaue City-native Gejon admitted it's going to be a tough task, but he is hopeful he can duplicate Batawang's feat.

Gejon, managed by Cebu bigtime promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud, sports a 7-7-1 win-loss-draw record spiked with 2KOs.

"It's really a difficult challenge for him to come out victorious in South Africa. I'm hopeful though that Elmer (Gejon) can overcome the odds and bring home the crown," said Salud.

In his last fight on March 28, 2005 at New Gallera de Mandaue, Gejon retained his RP crown after defeating a very game Carlos Besares via a controversial unanimous decision.

On the other hand, Lefele parades an 11-1 win-loss mark spiked with six knockouts. He won five of his last eight fights via stoppage, the last was a ninth round TKO over Wele Maqolo on April 8 this year in Cape Town.

Lefele, who is now under the aegis of Branco Sports Productions, boasts of a victory over SA junior flyweight champion Muvhuso Nedzanani in his young career. - EBV