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:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024