There’s a lot more at stake for Suico than the OPBF crown. On the line are his lofty No. 2 ranking in the World Boxing Council (WBC) ratings and the chance to face No. 1 contender Mzonke Fana in a title eliminator in South Africa in April or May.
At the WBC convention in Moscow last October, the governing body’s president Jose Sulaiman designated Fana and Suico to square off for the right to challenge the winner of the 130-pound title fight between defending champion Jesus Chavez and Erik Morales on Feb. 28 in Las Vegas.
Both Suico and Fana are taking on separate opponents to warm up for each other. Fana meets Christian Paz of Argentina in a 10-round bout in Capetown on Feb. 13 and he, too, must win to seal the eliminator.
Suico, 24, has never come closer to a world title shot. He’s ripe and ready to shoot for the championship although the road to the top seems like an obstacle course. Not only must Suico overcome Baek in his second OPBF title defense but he’s got to repulse Fana on hostile territory before going up against either Chavez or Morales. It’s a tall order but Suico is determined to climb the ladder a step at a time.
Suico takes the first step tonight.
Veteran arbiter Bruce McTavish, a New Zealand native, is the scoring referee. The two other judges are Filipino Arnel Pasion and South Korean Nam Chul Park.
Suico has compiled a perfect 20-0 record, with 17 knockouts, since turning pro in 1998. Israel Melendez, Joe Escriber and Kazunori Fujita were the only fighters to survive the distance with the long-armed, hard-hitting Suico, known as "Komong Bato."
One of 10 children and six boys, Suico started his boxing career as an amateur fighter under Pacing Flores. He fought his early years as a pro under Cebu-based businessman Tony Aldeguer’s wing then joined Joe Koizumi’s stable which is backed up by wealthy Japanese impresario Akihiko Honda. Suico’s trainer is Juanito Ablaca.
In September 2002, Suico made his US debut and scored a fourth round stoppage of Juan Garcia in Las Vegas. A left hook dropped Garcia who managed to beat the count but was saved from further punishment by referee Kenny Bayless at the 1:47 mark.
Suico’s dream is to make a better life for his wife Juvy–who’s four months pregnant–and their three-year-old daughter Montesa. The sacrifice he endures as a prizefighter is for his family. Suico underwent surgery to repair knuckle damage in both fists two years ago but is now as good as new, thanks to hand specialist Dr. Felix Vicuna.
Baek, 19, has a 9-2 record with two stoppages. A three-year pro, Baek has never fought outside his home country and Suico is his first foreign opponent. The South Korean was stopped by Woo Yul Jang last January but has stormed back to score consecutive knockouts over Young Jun Kim and Jin Woo Park.
Two other 12-round title fights are booked in promoter Rex (Wakee) Salud’s 64-round card. OPBF superbantamweight champion Pedrito Laurente stakes his crown against No. 1 challenger Jimrex Jaca in a grudge rematch while Elmer Gejon takes on Jun Arlos for the vacant Philippine minimumweight crown.
Jaca beat Luarente on points in their first meeting last March. Laurente bounced back from the loss to beat Manabu Fukushima on points for the OPBF title five months later.
Jaca, 20, is unbeaten in 21 bouts and has scored nine knockouts. His last five fights went the distance, raising doubts as to his punching power. Jaca is out to prove he’s got the sock to dispose of Laurente.
Arlos, 28, is a 10-year veteran who fought and lost to Ratanapol Sor Vorapin for the International Boxing Federation minimumweight crown in 1996. He has won his last three fights over Indonesian opponents to claim the No. 1 spot in the Games and Amusements Board’s 105-pound ratings.