Gorres sets sights on OPBF title shot

ALA Stable prodigy Z "The Dream" Gorres has all the needed motivation in his mind why he should get rid of former PABA light flyweight champion Deeden Kengkarun of Thailand when they collide in the main event of the "Return of the Z" boxing show this Saturday night at the New San Andres Civic and Sports Center in Malate, Metro Manila.

This as Gorres is cognizant of the fact that a crack at the prestigious Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight is next in the line if he will be successful in disposing off the veteran Thai warrior.

"I was told by my managers of their plan for me to vie for the OPBF title next if I'll beat Kengkarun. I'm very excited about it, that's why I'm going to give my all-out best to defeat Kengkarun," said Gorres, who is co-managed by noted sportsmen Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer and Atty. Rudy Salud.

Gorres is currently the mandatory challenger of reigning OPBF jr. bantamweight champion Masayuki Arinaga of Japan, whose next defense is compulsory. This means that Arinaga is obligated to defend his throne next against the Mandaue City-native slugger.

Gorres (19-1-1, 11KOs) and Kengkarun (22-10-2, 13KOs) met face-to-face yesterday during the PSA Forum in Manila, where both fighters predict victory in their non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

"I know that he's (Kengkarun) a tough opponent, but I'm confident I will win because I'm very prepared and in perfect condition for this fight," said Gorres, who is WBO No. 5 and IBF No. 11 115-pounder.

In his last fight, Gorres needed just 123 seconds to stop Fil-Am Glenn Donaire in the undercard of the epic Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales battle last March 19 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After that, Gorres trained for two months under the eagle-eyed 2002 "Trainer of the Year" Buddy McGirt in Orlando, Florida, but wasn't given the opportunity to fight anew on the US soil. That makes Gorres itching to unleash his punching fury on Kengkarun.

"I'm raring to see action again and I'll apply what I've learned from American trainer Buddy McGirt in my fight against Kengkarun. He should not underestimate me. He should watch out because if chance presents itself, I'm going to knock him out," added Gorres.

Kengkarun, on the other hand, boldly declared he is ready to rumble with Gorres and he is aiming for no less than a resounding victory.

"We came here to fight and win," said Kengkarun, who knocked out his compatriot Samart Petchbandungho in his last bout two weeks ago.

WBO Asia-Pacific chairman Leon Panuncillo, who accompanied Kengkarun in Manila, warned Gorres to be extra careful as Kengkarun is a strong puncher who loves to mix it up with his foes.

"This is a good test for Gorres. He should show all his skills and step up his defense against Kengkarun. This is going to be a good fight," said Panuncillo.

In the equally-exciting undercards of this Viva Entertainment-presented card, two ALA Boxing Gym mainstays will also be strutting their wares in Rey Caitom and Donnie Nietes, while Edmund Velayo of SGG Stable takes on Kid Orais.