WILL WAKEE AND RP GET THEIR 4TH WORLD CHAMPION TODAY?
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 01 Sep 2007
Cebuano Eriberto 'Yukka' Gejon will attempt to become the country's fourth reigning boxing world champion when he challenges WBA minimumweight champion Yutaka Niida in a 12-round showdown at the famed Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
This will be a rematch of their September, 2005 battle which ended in a somewhat disputed tenth-round technical decision win for the Japanese, although Gejon's camp, including superstar Manny Pacquiao, thought the Filipino did enough to win the first bout.
If victorious, Gejon will also become the fourth world title-holder for Rex 'Wakee' Salud, a risk-taker of a boxing manager who previously managed two-division world champion Dodie Boy Penalosa, ex-WBC superfly boss Gerry Penalosa, and ex-WBC flyweight ruler Malcolm Tunacao.
In their first meeting, the Mandaue City-raised Gejon was cheered on at ringside by Pacquiao, although Pacman won't be availabe in the rematch as he is busy preparing himself for an Oct. 6 rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera.
Pacquiao's business associate Rex 'Wakee' Salud, who manages Gejon, took a break from his hosting job of Team Pacquiao in Cebu and yesterday flew to Japan to provide morale support for Gejon at ringside.
Since their first encounter, Gejon (23-1-1, 14 KO's) has racked two victories over Thai opponents, while Niida (21-1-3, 8 KO's) also defended his title twice over Ronald Barrera and Katsunari Takayama.
Veteran Australian referee Derek Milham has been appointed by the World Boxing Association to be the third man on the ring for today's rematch.
If the fight goes the distance, set to render decision are fight judges Jean Louis Legland of France, Chalarm Prayadsab of Thailand and Giuseppe Quarantone of Italy.
Both Gejon and Niida passed the medical examination held in Tokyo on Tuesday. Niida was measured at 156.2 centimeters in height, shorter than Gejon who was measured at 167 centimeters in height. Gejon's reach was longer by 17 cms compared to Niida's.
Gejon is expected to use his height and reach advantage to frustrate Niida in today's 12-round clash.
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