Mayol going for KO victory

CEBU, Philippines - Thinking that it would be very difficult to win by decision at his enemy's lair, Cebuano fighter Rodel "Batang Mandaue" Mayol (30-5-2, 22 KOs) said he will go all-out for a knockout when he challenges Mexican champion Hernan "Tyson" Marquez (32-2, 25 KOs) for the WBA flyweight title on March 24 in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico.

"I know it's tough to fight at your opponent's territory that is why I am aiming for no less than a knockout to avoid any hometown decision," said the 30-year-old Mayol. "But I'm ready to go for 12 rounds because that is what I prepared and trained for."

Mayol has already wrapped up his rigid training for the Marquez bout, but was forced to spar for a few more rounds to accommodate the request of WBA bantamweight champion Koki Kameda, who is currently in town to train for a week at the RWS Gym of Cebuano promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud.

Koki, who is with his father-mentor Shiro Kameda and younger brother Daiki, a former world flyweight titlist, is set to defend his WBA belt against Indonesian Noulde Manakane on April 4 at the Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, Japan.

"He's a skilled boxer with very good style and great punching power. He really deserves to be a world champion," Mayol said of Koki Kameda.

Mayol, who will leave for the United States this Saturday along with his trainers Jeremiah Quijano and Buboy Neri, said losing is not an option against Marquez.

"I really have to give my best shot in this fight because this is my last chance to redeem myself and prove that I am still capable of becoming a world champion," said Mayol. "If ever I lose, maybe it's time for me to retire."

But that is not going to happen anytime soon as Mayol is confident of getting past Marquez, who already lost to two Filipino boxers in Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire, Jr., now a three-division world champion, and former WBO Oriental flyweight ruler Ritchie Mepranum two years ago.

"Marquez lost to Donaire and Mepranum and that gives me an added confidence to beat him. I've also seen his style and it suits me best. He loves to pressure his opponents and doesn't run around. It's going to be a very good fight," Mayol added.

After three failed attempts, Mayol finally basked in world championship glory when he scored a smashing second round knockout of Mexican Edgar Sosa to clinch the WBC light flyweight crown on November 21, 2009 at the Palenque de la Feria in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico.

Mayol barely kept his belt in his first defense via third round technical draw with Mexico's Oscar Nino Romero. He was eventually dethroned by the same rival on June 19, 2010 at the Plaza de Toros in San Juan del Rio, Queretaro, Mexico.

"There's no turning back for me now. It's a difficult challenge ahead of me but I'm ready to face it. Hopefully, I will come out victorious. I am fighting not only for myself but also for the country's pride," said Mayol. - THE FREEMAN