Mayol vows to diffuse 'Explosivo'

Cebuano power-hitter Rodel "Batang Mandaue" Mayol, the No.1 minimumweight contender of the World Boxing Council and the World Boxing Organization, expressed confidence of beating Mexican Lorenjo "Explosivo" Trejo when they clash in an official WBC elimination bout on January 28 in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

"I've seen the videotape of one of his (Trejo) fights. He is a fighter, but not really that skillful," said Mayol, who is also the reigning Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) mini-flyweight champion.

"I'm confident I'll beat him, but I have to be extra cautious because the fight will be held in Mexico. I'll just have to prepare and train hard to win. I must win this match because this will be the key for me to fight for a world title," added Mayol.

The winner of the Mayol-Trejo showdown will earn a mandatory shot at the WBC 105-pound crown currently owned by Japanese Eagle Kyowa.

Mayol, who is now managed by Japanese businessman Yasuo "Machang" Matsuoka, trained in Japan for two months, but decided to continue his daily workout here to avoid the inclement weather in Japan.



Under the watchful eyes of veteran ring strategist Brix Flores, Mayol has already sparred nearly 100 rounds against top Japanese prospects and some Cebuano pugs that include Louie Bantigue and Rogen Flores, a former amateur standout who took pride for defeating Olympian Roel Velasco.

Starting today, Mayol will hop from Flores Gym in Mandaue City to Rex "Wakee" Salud's RWS Gym in Brgy. Punta Princesa to put up the final phase of his rigid training regimen in preparation for what he described as the most significant fight of his career so far.

"This is the most important fight of my career, so far. It's a tall order for me because I'll be fighting at my opponent's territory. I'll just have to give my best shot to come out victorious and bring honor and glory to our country," said Mayol.

The 24-year-old Mayol sports a menacing 21-0 win-loss record spiked with 16KOs since turning pro in 2000, while Trejo has compiled a 24-12 win-loss record dotted with 11KOs in his 10-year pro career.

Mayol won the OPBF crown by dethroning Japanese Genki Ohnaka via a frightening first round knockout on December 7, 2003 in Tokuyama, Japan. He defended his throne thrice already, the last was via a 12-round shutout of Japanese Takayuki Korogi on April 4 last year at the Central Gym in Osaka.

On the other hand, Trejo won the North America Boxing Federation title by knocking out Oscar Murillo in round 8 on August 21 last year at Palenque de la Expo in Ciudad Obregón, Mexico. He won by decision Regulo Gamez in his first and only defense so far of his NABF plum.

In his last bout, the 28-year-old Trejo stopped Oscar Martinez in round 10 last October 22 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Overall, Trejo is coming from an eight-fight win streak since losing in his bid to wrest the WBO minimumweight title by unanimous decision to Ivan Calderon on September 5, 2003 at Cesar Bazares Coliseo in Caguas, Puerto Rico.