Mayol out to make impression in Pacquiao undercard

CEBU, Philippines - Moments before eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao takes on the challenge of 'Sugar' Shane Mosley, former WBC light flyweight champion Rodel "Batang Mandaue" Mayol hopes to make a good impression to boxing fans around the world as he trades blows with Mexican Javier Gallo in the undercard of the titanic showdown today (Phl time) at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Although a non-title bout scheduled for eight rounds, the match is of huge importance for Mayol as the Cebuano ring gladiator is booked to fight Thai warrior Wisano Kokeitgym for the WBA interim 108-pound crown mostly likely in July.

After failing thrice in his world title bid on hostile grounds, the 29-year-old Mayol finally found his place in the sun when he scored a spectacular second round knockout of Edgar Sosa to annex the WBC light flyweight crown on November 21, 2009 at the Palenque de la Feria in Chiapas, Mexico.

Mayol's reign, however, was cut short when he lost by unanimous decision to Omar Nino Romero in his only second defense on June 19, 2010 also in Mexico.

Mayol though showed he is on the right comeback trail by stopping Thai Pompetch Twins Gym in round seven during his previous bout on November 11 last year at the Ynares Sports Arena in Antipolo City.

Having been inserted in the Pacquiao-Mosley showdown is definitely an opportunity for Mayol to show he still has what is takes to be a world title-holder again.

Mayol sports a 27-5-2 win-loss-draw record packed with 21KOs, while Gallo carries a 17-3-1 card spiked with 9KOs. (FREEMAN)