Igorot Warrior to challenge OPBF champ
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 21 Jun 2016
Wao.
FORMER WBC International bantamweight champion Rex ?Irogot Warrior? Wao of the Philippines will challenge reigning Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight champion Takahiro Yamamoto of Japan on July 20 at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.
?He is now getting ready for the fight with his trainer Joven Jorda in Benguet,? said manager Brico Santig of Highland Gym.
The 26-year old Wao last won by a first round technical knockout against Mike Espanosa on March 3, 2015 at the Makati Cinema Square Boxing Arena in Makati City.
He previously fought but lost to Xian Qian Wei by a unanimous decision last November 3 at the EXPO Garden Hotel, Kunming, China for both the WBC Asian Boxing Council featherweight title and the WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council featherweight title.
Wao, who has 11 wins with 9 Kos against only 2 loses and no draw, won the vacant WBC International bantamweight crown by stopping Virden Rivera on June 25, 2014 in Mandaluyong City.
Yamamoto, on the other hand, has 17 wins, 4 loses with 14 Kos. He won the OPBF title in a rematch with Yu Kawaguchi via a 7th round TKO on August 2 at the Prefectural Gym in Osaka.
He earlier lost by a split decision to Kawaguchi in their first championship fight.
Yamamoto retained the crown via a 2nd round TKO victory over fellow Japanese Yuki Strong Kobayashi last December 31 in Osaka. ? LITO DELOS REYES
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025