Lopez faces Fukumoto in Bakbakan

MANILA, Philippines - World Boxing Council silver super flyweight champion Silvester Lopez and Japan Boxing Council Yuki Fukumoto slug it out in a non-title fight tonight in the “Bakbakan sa Elorde” at the Elorde Grand Ballroom in Sucat, Parañaque City.

Lopez is out to avenge compatriot Dado Cabintoy and Dizon Cag-Ong’s setbacks to their Japanese rivals in the event presented by Petron XCS, Ginebra San Miguel, Magnolia Pure Water and Fruit Juices.

Hiroki Shiino scored an 11th round TKO against Cabintoy to claim the vacant WBC International bantamweight title in Puerto Princesa City while another Japanese ace Dai Iwai stopped Cag-Ong in the seventh round to win the WBC youth silver featherweight belt in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna last week.

“I will do my very best. Let’s see,” said the 24-year-old Lopez (16-3-1, 12 KOs), one of the top prospects from Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde stable.

The 26-year-old Fukumoto, who once lost to Yota Sato, totes a 12-5 record, with three KOs.

“It won’t be an easy fight for Lopez,” said Elorde. “Fukumoto’s motivation is he gets the title shot if he wins. So Lopez won’t take any chances,” said Elorde.

WBC Youth light flyweight champion Renan Tronco and WBC Youth super flyweight kingpin Gabriel Altajeros will also see action in the event as they take on Ricky Oyan and Menard Zaragosa, respectively.

Former Philippine featherweight title holder Vinvin Rufino goes up against Tony Pepito in the other match.

Meanwhile, WBC president Jose Sulaiman has guaranteed a title shot for No. 1 superflyweight contender Lopez.