Rocky Fuentes defends OPBF title in Japan

CEBU, Philippines - The pride of Brgy. Mambaling Rocky “Road Warrior” Fuentes once again successfully defended his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight title Saturday night against Japanese Hirofumi Mukai at the Sumiyoshi Ward Center in Osaka.

The 25-year-old ALA mainstay won a hard-fought twelve round unanimous decision by battering the Japanese veteran for his fourth straight title defense.

In an interview with The Freeman, ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor said that Mukai served as a big challenge for Fuentes, as the veteran Japanese used his height and reach advantage against Fuentes.

But the 5-foot-3 Fuentes did not show any intimidation against the much taller opponent, as he outmuscled the 5-7 Japanese by launching of flurry of punches from the beginning to the final round of the fight.

“Dili sad sayon kay lig-on and taas og experience iyang kontra, pero migawas gyud ang abilidad ni Rocky, abi gani namo ug moundang na ang Hapon sa 11th round sa grabeng kulata,” said Villamor.

With this impressive win, Fuentes is now in line for a possible world title shot as he improves his ranking in the four major boxing organi-zation. Fuentes is currently ranked No. 5 by the IBF, No. 6 by the WBC, No. 7 by the WBO and No. 9 by the WBA.

 “Yes para nako andam na gyud siya (Fuentes) para sa world title fight kung naa lang gyud opportunity, pero huwaton lang nato ang plano sa ALA Promotion alang niya,” added Fuentes.

Fuentes improved his record to 29 wins, 17 by knockouts with six defeats and two draws. – THE FREEMAN