MANILA, Philippines - World Boxing Organization (WBO) superfeatherweight champion Juan Martin “Bai†Elorde, grandson of the great Gabriel “Flash†Elorde, will make his first title defense tonight against top contender Chaiyong Sithsaithong of Thailand at the Elorde Sports Center on Sucat Road, Parañaque
Bai is defending the crown he won by a second round technical knockout over Maxsaisai Sithsaithong last year. The young Elorde has an impressive record of 15 wins, 7 by knockout with only 1 defeat, while Chaiyong has fought 47 fights, with 32 wins, 23 by knockout, against 12 losses and three draws.
Supporting the bout is another championship match between world rated Dennis Laurente and Singdet Nonpitayakon also of Thailand. Laurente, who is defending his WBC Asia welterweight belt, is aiming to improve his world rankings. Laurente decked Khomkaew Sithsaithong recently in the first round last December and is trying to be more active compiling wins to get back to his old form.
In the weigh-in conducted yesterday at the Games and Amusements Board office, Elorde and Sithsaithong both tipped the scales at 130 lbs. in the presence of WBO vice president for Asia and the Pacific and fight supervisor Leon Panoncillo. Laurente and Nonpitayakon also made the weights at exactly 153 lbs.
Meanwhile, JK Elorde, another upcoming grandson of Flash Elorde and cousin of Bai, will appear in the undercard against Juanito Paredes in 4-rounder at 128 lbs. This will be the third professional bout of JK, a gold medallist in the NCR Palarong Pambansa. JK won his first two bouts with stunning knockouts.
Seven more bouts complete the card starting at 6 p.m.
The event is held by the Johnny Elorde Management International in cooperation with Rotary Club of Manila 101.
More information: Tel. 09054356416 and 8250625( Beth or Peter).