Lunas in acid test

If Pan Asia Boxing Association (PABA) flyweight champion Rolly Lunas has what it takes to become a world titlist, he’s got to prove himself against Thai challenger Phises Vor Surapol in their scheduled 12-round bout at the People’s Gym in Balanga, Bataan, tomorrow night.

Promoter Jun Sarreal says Lunas has still a lot to learn before shaking up the world ratings. "He’s not yet ripe for a world title shot but he’s getting there," notes Sarreal who has high hopes for the Tabaco, Albay, former houseboy and sampaguita street vendor.

Lunas, 20, is getting all the support he needs to make headway in his career. Mandaluyong Mayor Ben Abalos is providing gym facilities and sending him to vocational school, specializing in refrigerators. Three trainers are taking turns to provide Lunas with expert guidance–Ambo Pablo, who guided Manny Pacquiao in his early years as pro, former fighter Allan Moore and veteran Benny de la Peña.

"Rolly’s a good kid," continues Sarreal. "He works hard. He showed his potential when he won the ABS-CBN championship in the ‘Knockout’ program. He won his first 13 fights, eight by knockout, then lost to (Noriyuki) Komatsu in an OPBF (Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation) flyweight title fight in Osaka. But he came back to win the PABA title over a Thai (Khunsuk Lokprabat) in Thailand–you know how difficult it is for a Filipino to win over a Thai in Thailand, you must be an exceptional fighter to do that."

Phises, 31, flew in from Bangkok last Monday with manager Surapol Rangsikulpipat and a trainer. Surapol owns the famous Sor Vorapin stable, which produced legendary former International Boxing Federation minimumweight champion Ratanapol Sor Vorapin. One of his fighters is reigning World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific bantamweight titlist Rattanachai Sor Vorapin who will likely be Gerry Peñalosa’s comeback opponent early next year.

"We came to win," says Surapol in an interview. "We are proud of our fighters. Phises’ style is similar to Ratanapol’s. He does not back down. I am proud of my fighters. I expect a highly-competitive fight against Lunas."

Surapol claims Phises’ record is 15-3-1. He says Phises has reigned as Thai flyweight champion the last three years. But a check in the boxing records website showed the fighter’s record to be 2-14-1. Surapol, however, insists Phises has been beaten only thrice and says his record is certified by the Thai Boxing Commission.

What is undisputed is Phises’ experience. He’s fought in Japan, Indonesia and China, according to boxrec.com. The fact that the Thai has seen action in nine Japan fights is an indication that he’s a crowd pleaser. Last June, Phises lost a 12-round decision to Hideyashu Ishihara in an OPBF superflyweight title fight in Nagoya.

The records show that Phises has figured in six bouts so far this year. That’s a lot of activity, meaning he’s more than ready to engage Lunas in a war of attrition.

"My boy is ready," declares Surapol.

Whatever his record is, Phises provides an acid test for Lunas. He’s touted as a durable brawler in the Ratanapol mold. If Lunas beats him convincingly, it will be a major accomplishment.

Sarreal says the undercard should be as exciting as the main event. Fernando Montilla stakes his Philippine lightweight title against rising star Larry Pelonia in a 12-rounder. Both are knockout artists so fans expect an early ending.

A bonus attraction is Philippine flyweight titleholder Edgar Rodrigo taking on three separate opponents in a series of two-rounders. Rodrigo–the only fighter to beat hot prospect Z Gorres–is booked to battle Lunas’ tormentor Komatsu in an OPBF title match on Feb. 15 in Japan.

Sarreal says the blockbuster card’s proceeds will be used for the construction of the public library in Balanga, a pet project of Gov. Leonardo (Ding) Roman.

Incidentally, Gorres meets Philippine superflyweight champion Eric Barcelona in a non-title tenner in Subic on Saturday. Gorres flies in from Cebu with trainer Edito Villamor this morning and will report for the weigh-in at the Games and Amusements Board office in Makati tomorrow morning. Gorres and Villamor will stay in lawyer Rudy Salud’s home tonight.

Salud will take a ferryboat to Balanga tomorrow afternoon then motor to Subic for Gorres’ fight the next day. He’ll likely watch Sarreal’s card in Balanga. Salud will spend the night tomorrow in Morong.

Salud, who played a key role in lining up Pacquiao as the mandatory challenger of the In Jin Chi-Michael Brodie rematch for the vacant World Boxing Council featherweight crown, plans to bring Gorres to train at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym in Los Angeles in February or March next year. That depends on how Gorres fares against Barcelona.

Gorres, who has outgrown the flyweight division and now campaigns in the 115-pound category, is up against a formidable foe in

Barcelona–coming off a shock knockout win over once highly-regarded Sherwin Paro. Pacquiao will be at ringside for the fight as the main event features his brother Bobby defending his Philippine superfeatherweight crown against Renato Inal.