Heno relishes underdog label
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 09 Oct 2019
Edward Heno.
Bookmakers are giving Filipino challenger Edward Heno only a 15 percent chance to dethrone WBO lightflyweight champion Elwin Soto of Mexico but the OPBF titlist isn?t fazed by the odds and according to his manager Marty Elorde, enjoys being the underdog in their scheduled 12-round fight at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, on Oct. 24.
Heno, 26, and trainer Roel Durano left Manila for Los Angeles last Sunday. They motored to Las Vegas yesterday to join other Filipino fighters Jhack Tepora, Johnriel Casimero and Romero Duno in camp under Los Angeles-based trainer Rodel Mayol. Heno?s other trainer Erbing Penalosa will be in MMA fighter Brandon Vera?s corner in a ONE lightheavyweight title fight against Myanmar?s Aung La N Sang in Tokyo this Sunday and will head to Las Vegas with Elorde next week.
?Edward knows what the odds are but he doesn?t care,? said Elorde. ?He likes it that way. Dehado siya kaya walang pressure. Edward finds it better to fight if he?s the underdog. But that only means he has to raise his level of fighting because Soto?s making his first defense and he badly wants to retain the title. Palaban si Soto. It?s not an easy fight. I just hope Edward?s in top condition.?
Before leaving, Heno had already brought up his sparring to 12 rounds. ?I don?t think weight will be a problem,? said Elorde. ?He was between 118-120 pounds in Manila. There?s enough time to bring down his weight to 108. It was a good decision to fly him to the US early so he can acclimatize. The other day, he texted me that he?s still adjusting to the time difference and having trouble sleeping. He?ll get over it in a few days.?
Elorde said nutritionist Jeaneth Aro submitted a diet plan for Heno to follow, similar to what she does in preparing IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas for his fights. However, Heno hasn?t stuck to the program. ?Edward has a mind of his own,? said Elorde. ?He adjusted Jeaneth?s plan because he doesn?t like eating the same food for lunch and dinner. It was the same with our conditioning coach. Edward reworked his conditioning drills which he told me, are harder than what the coach wants him to do.?
Elorde said he doesn?t mind Heno?s attitude as long as it translates into a winning performance. ?Edward?s confidence level is like Sen. Manny Pacquiao?s,? he said. ?He hasn?t fought since February and the long layoff could be a factor working against him. Soto?s last fight was in May. But Edward?s not worried. He believes this is his time and he?ll come home a world champion.?
Elorde said Filipino dentist Dr. Ed de la Vega, who practices in San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles, will be in Heno?s corner as cutman. ?Doc Ed?s our lucky charm,? he said. ?He was in Donnie Nietes? corner for 11 fights and Nietes never lost. Doc Ed made a mouthpiece for Edward. I met Doc Ed and his good friend Jhay Otamias, a well-known sports photographer, in L. A. and they?re both very helpful.?
Elorde said no matter the outcome, he?s happy that Heno will get a chance to fight for the world crown. ?So many good fighters never even get the opportunity,? he s
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
COLD SHOULDER IN SYDNEY: Spence and Tszyu Trade Snubs and Staredowns at Grand Arrivals Launch
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026Suarez, Lewkowicz Ask the WBO to Enforce Navarrete Rematch and Begin Negotiations Immediately
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 21 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 20 JULY 2026: Papot Outpoints Eubank; Pacheco Stops Aleem; Suarez Smokes Avila in One Round
By Eric Armit, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Fiery Exchange at Fanatics Fest: Garcia and Benn Nearly Brawl in New York Ahead of Sept. 12 Title Clash
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026John Michael Zulueta Headlines in Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Results from Dominican Republic: Alberto Puello Stops Ángel Bolaño in 3
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Matchroom Boxing reveals major fights in UK & Ireland schedule from August to October
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Colombia National Congress Awarded "Kid Pambelé" with Grand Cross Knight
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 21 Jul 2026MILO Marathon returns to Davao on August 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 21 Jul 2026PHILBOXING.COM WEEKEND ROUNDUP: News, Fallout, and the Long Shadow of Sydney
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026Joe Hand Promotions Secures Commercial Rights for Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu Showdown
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Grandy Twins Head to Tampa to Learn from Hall of Famers Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright Ahead of August 14 Homecoming Fight
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Matchroom Extends Brentwood Town Fc Partnership as Principle Partner for Next Five Years as Barry Hearn Obe Provides Significant Investment to Non-League Football Club
Tue, 21 Jul 2026IBA Pro announces departure of Director Al Siesta
Mon, 20 Jul 2026Suarez sends strong signal
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 20 Jul 2026