Gorres faces tough Thai vet

While Z Gorres considers his upcoming fight with Waengpetch Chuwatana a dream come true, the Thai fighter has vowed to make it a nightmare for the 22-year-old Cebuano southpaw when they clash for the vacant OPBF super flyweight title on March 18 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

Gorres got a big boost from his impressive win over Mexican Jose Alfredo Tirado in Las Vegas last month and it has practically overshadowed the credentials of the man he has to beat in the title fight.

Chuwatana, a grizzled veteran, has 32 fights with a 23-7-2 win-loss-draw record with 14 knockouts.

The 32-year-old former OPBF champion has not lost a fight in Thailand and prevailed in various fights in Japan, including three title showdowns. Chuwatana has also fought only one Filipino in Gerard Ubatay, whom he outpointed.

When it comes to power, Chuwatana packs a high 61 percent knockout percentage with 14 stoppages in 23 wins. Most of his abbreviated triumphs came in the first and second rounds.

The Thai’s championship experience is another factor the handlers of Gorres should consider since Chuwatana has fought twice for the Thai super flyweight crown and six OPBF title fights.

The young ALA standout has only fought twice for the Philippine crown, one of which he suffered a devastating loss.

The Thai hitman not only has the edge on the number of fights, higher knockout percentage and championship experience, but also has a granite chin as he has never been stopped in 32 fights.

"Chuwatana is unlike other Thai fighters who have fought here. He has the experience and the power to frustrate Gorres to win the OPBF title. This is going to be a bloodbath and a war," said international promoter Sammy Gello-ani, who expects another full house during fight night.

The match will be shown on a delayed telecast the next day on Viva Sports’ boxing program, Main Event, at 1 p.m. on RPN 9.

Tickets are now available at the USA Sports outlets in SM and Ayala and at the Fight Club in Banilad Town Center.

Tickets are priced at P100 for general admission, P250 for lower seat and P500 for VIP/sponsors.