Gejon challenges Niida for WBC crown tonight

Unbeaten Cebuano slick-puncher Eriberto "Ioka" Gejon, Jr. of RWS Stable takes on the most significant fight of his career so far when he challenges Japanese champion Yutaka Niida in a 12-round rumble for the World Boxing Association minimumweight crown today at the 20,000-seater Yokohama Arena in Japan.

Knowing that he's fighting at enemy lines, some boxing scholars postulated that the WBA ranked No.2 105-pounder Gejon needs to score a knockout for him to bring home the coveted crown that will surely add glitter to the already glorious year of Philippine boxing.

It would be a tall order for Gejon, but the lanky Filipino warrior is expected to draw extra firepower from his celebrated countryman Manny Pacquiao and his supportive manager Rex "Wakee" Salud, who will be at the ringside to cheer for him.

"I'm here to see Gejon win," said the 27-year-old Pacquiao, who gave Gejon some tips on how to deal with Niida immediately upon his arrival in Japan last Friday.

Salud said he knew the importance of this fight for Gejon that is why he brought Pacquiao to Japan to boost his boxer's morale. "I hope the presence of Pacquiao could further boost his morale.

Gejon needs all the support in this most important fight of his career," said Salud in an earlier interview. "I have high confidence in him although it would be better if he can knock out his opponent," added Salud.

Gejon sports a clean 21-0 win-loss record with one draw and 13 wins by knockout

After defeating Venezuelan Carlos Melo via fouth round technical decision to wrest the WBA Fedelatin strawweight title on January 31 last year in Caracas, Venezuela, Gejon won his next two fights against Jun Ebale and Thai Namchai Taksinisan via stoppage within three rounds, something Niida should watch out. Niida, on the other hand, is similarly impressive with only one loss in 22 pro matches that include three draws and 8KOs.

He suffered his first and only loss so far at the hands of Venezuelan Noel Arambulet via split decision in their WBA title fight two years ago.

Niida, however, got back at Arambulet to wrest the WBA crown. The Japanese has defended his throne twice against Venezuelan Juan Jose Landaeta and Korean Jae Won Kim - all by decision.