Thai wants unification bout vs Suico

Thailand’s Saddam Kietyongyuth, who last week issued a public challenge to OPBF lightweight king Randy Suico, said he is waiting for a definitive answer from Suico and his handlers regarding a proposed fight between the two power-punchers.

Saddam, who slammed Suico for fighting B or C-level fighters, pointed out that the Filipino champ needs to step up to the plate for better competition and not feast on hapless Japanese fighters to pad his resume.

“I’m still waiting for Suico to accept my challenge. My promoter is willing to hold the fight even in Suico’s country. We ca do it sometime early next year,” Saddam said.

The 25-year-old Saddam, who owns an impeccable record of 16 win, no loss with 12 KOs, holds the WBC-ABC lightweight title and challenged Suico to a unification battle with the winner moving into a possible world title crack should reigning champ Manny Pacquiao decide to remain in the higher weight division after fighting Oscar dela Hoya.

“Both Saddam and Suico have fights in December. If they both come out unscathed after that, I plan on promoting a fight between them sometime February in Manila or Cebu,” said Saddam’s promoter Daniel Potter, who shuttles between Australia and Thailand in search of a good opponent for his ward.

“Suico is the only guy out there who we know has a chance of beating Saddam. And Saddam also has a chance of beating Suico. So let’s make it happen,” added Potter, still hopeful that Suico’s manager Joe Koizumi will pick up the challenge.

The Krabi-born, Bangkok-based fighter, who has beaten a series of tough Filipinos, is considered Thailand’s best prospect.

“If Suico is interested, we can hold the fight sometime in February. We will offer him a reasonable amount to face my fighter and we can even do it in his own backyard,” said the boxing impresario, who also promotes ex-WBA king Odsanan Nanthachai.

Suico (28-3-1, 24 KOs) is slated to defend his OPBF title against Ichitaro Ishii on Dec. 20 and depending on the outcome of his fight, should be available to see action again in late February.