Z Gorres takes on Thai toughie today

Cebuano super flyweight sensation Z "The Dream" Gorres yearns to further cement his road to stardom when he battles veteran Thai warrior Deeden Kengkarun in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds headlining Viva Entertainment's "Return of the Z" boxing show tonight at the San Andres Civic and Sports Center in Manila.

Gorres is upbeat on his chances to beat Kengkarun owing to his torrid preparation and hard training, including a two-month stint with 2002 Trainer of the Year awardee Buddy McGirt in Orlando, Florida.

"I trained so very hard for this fight and I'm ready to mix it up with him (Kengkarun). I'll do everything I can to win because there's a lot of bright opportunities in store for me ahead," said Gorres, who is coming off an eight-fight win streak since his shocking defeat to Edgar Rodrigo in June 2003.

Gorres (19-1-1, 11KOs) was simply awesome in his last two ring appearances, peppering Thai Chaiyong Distar over 10 heats and stopping Fil-Am Glen Donaire in the first round in the undercard of the epic Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales war last March 29 in Las Vegas.

Gorres is in a must-win situation as he is guaranteed by no less Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation president Frank Quill to challenge defending champion Masayuki Arinaga of Japan for the OPBF jr bantamweight title within this year is he disposes off Kengkarun.

"I can't afford to lose this fight. Victory is the only thing in my mind because I'm very excited to vie for the OPBF crown which I've long been dreaming of," said Gorres.

Gorres will be cheered on at the sidelines by his revered boxing patron Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer, who charts his career in partnership with former WBC secretary-general Atty. Rudy Salud.

The 22-year-old Gorres must not take Kengkarun lightly as the Thai visitor, as described by WBO chairman for Asia-Pacific Leon Panuncillo, is a hard-puncher and very motivated fighter who loves to slug it out toe-to-toe with his opponents.

"Gorres must be extra careful because Kengkarun is a strong puncher. The Thai is very inspired coming off a knockout win in his last fight. This is a big test for Gorres and he should show all his skills to defeat Kengkarun," warned Panuncillo.

Kengkarun (22-10-2, 13KOs), who once reigned as the Pan-Asia Boxing Association (PABA) light flyweight champion, floored his compatriot Samart Petchbandungho just two weeks ago in Bangkok.

In the supporting main event, Joel Bauya will defend his RP bantamweight throne against Michael Domingo.

Also to watch out for is Rey Caitom, the rising Cebuano ring star out of the ALA Boxing Gym who will see action for only the second time as a pro against Janrey Cañete of Elorde Stable. In his pro debut, Caitom pounded out an impressive unanimous decision over fellow amateur standout Reymund Legaspi.

Completing the cast of the combatants in this explosive slugfest are Donnie Nietes vs. Nino Suelo, Edmund Velayo vs. Rey Orais, Isidro Lorona vs. Lito Sisnorio and Rodel Quilaton vs. Gerard Ubatay.