Mayol to defend WBC crown on Feb. 27

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano world boxing champion Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol will put his WBC light flyweight crown on the line against mandatory challenger Omar Nino “Giant Killer” Romero of Mexico on February 27 at Tepic in Nayarit, Mexico.

Mayol told this writer via chat message yesterday that even before he signed the fight contract, he already started doing some light workout and road works since his return to the United States last January 4 from a two-week vacation in Cebu.

“Within this week, I will start my heavy training. Tomorrow (today RP time), I will spar against a Mexican boxer. Although I did not know his name, I’m informed that he is a heavy puncher who is undefeated in 12 fights,” said Mayol, who trains at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles under the watchful eyes of Jeremiah Quijano.

This will be Mayol’s first defense of the WBC title he snatched by dethroning Mexican Edgar Sosa via a smashing second round stoppage last November 21 at the Palenque de la Feria in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico.

Interestingly, it was Mayol’s fourth try at a world throne.

Mayol said he is not taking any chances against Romero, a former world title-holder who has beaten prominent Filipino warriors in the likes of Juanito Rubilar and reigning IBF jr flyweight titlist Brian Viloria.

“Romero is a tough opponent. I will just train hard and give him a good fight. I will do whatever it takes to keep my belt,” said the 28-year-old Mayol.

Mayol, a former ALA Stable mainstay now managed by ring superstar Manny Pacquiao, holds a 26-4-1 win-loss-draw record spiked with 20KOs, while the 33-year-old Romero sports a 28-3-1 card dotted with 11KOs.—EBV (THE FREEMAN)