Mayol, Batawang battle Thai foes

Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol and Bert “Ninja” Batawang carry the same mission of trying to prove they still have what it takes to become a world champion someday as they headline tonight’s “Back on Track” boxing promotion at the Cebu Coliseum.

Mayol (23-3, 18KOs) hopes to snap his back-to-back defeats as he goes up against Wisan Sor Suchanya (9-6-1) in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds, while Batawang (51-7, 35KOs) will exchange blows with Thai hard-puncher Samransak Singmanassak (32-13-1, 26KOs) in a 12-round rumble for the WBO Oriental light flyweight title.

“This is a very important fight for me. I must come up with an impressive fight and show to everyone that I am back,” said the 26-year-old Mayol, who is now co-managed by Pinoy ring superstar Manny Pacquiao and topnotch Cebuano promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud.

Mayol is fighting before his hometown fans for the first time in six years. The last was when he decisioned Niño Suelo over 12 rounds to clinch the Philippine minimumweight crown on August 3, 2002 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Mayol and Batawang crossed different paths in their previous matches.

Mayol was virtually thrown into the lion’s den in his fourth round knockout loss to the undefeated Mexican prospect Adrian Hernandez last February 9 in Guanajuato, Mexico, while Batawang scored a sensational seventh round stoppage of Indonesian Heri Amol last April 5 at the Araneta Coliseum.

In the explosive undercards, former PBF flyweight champion Federico “Magnifico” Catubay (20-14-3) of SGG Stable will slug it out with Brix Bomb Ray of Davao’s Tony Dacer Stable,  while Pedro Malco of Zamboanga City faces a tall order against the unbeaten upstart Eric Macas (8-0, 5KOs) of Bong Yu Stable.

A probable show-stealer is Chum Sedillo of Amlan, Negros Oriental, who will have his acid test in the pro arena against Rosendo Navares of Ozamiz City. Sedillo wields a frightening 23-0 record - all by knockout in the amateur ranks.

The rest of the undercards pit Roemart Sentillas (3-0) vs. Ed Earl Orellano (4-0-1), Roldan Castrodes (6-0) vs. Jerome Buntog (1-3-1), Rodel Adelmita (4-0) vs. Edzel Tuñacao (2-0-0), Ryan Tampus vs. Jerome Aguirre, and Ariel Adan vs. Arnel Dunal.

Tickets are priced at P50 for general admission, P100 for upper box, P250 for lower box, and P500 for ringside.

The slambang event is presented by SGG Sports Promotions of international promoter Sammy “Don King” Gello-ani in partnership with Viva Sports, Tanduay Rhum, and Pioneer ElastoSeal.