SANTILLAN DEFENDS OPBF CROWN TODAY IN JAPAN
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 16 Feb 2008
Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) welterweight champion Rev "Gentle Giant" Santillan will defend his title today against Japanese Motoki Sasaki at the famed Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
The Iloilo City-raised Santillan (24-3-1, 17 KO's), 30, is managed by Rex 'Wakee' Salud and will try to defend the title he wrested from another Japanese Taisei Marumoto last July.
This will be southpaw Santillan's 12th appearance in an OPBF fight, where he has a record of 9 wins and only 3 losses.
The 32-year-old Sasaki (28-7-1, 18 KO's), will be enjoying the hometown and experience advantage, although the Filipino Santillan will have his reach and height advantage going for him plus his much-vaunted power.
Sasaki will be facing only his second Filipino opponent to date. His first outing against a Filipino took place eight years ago when he outpointed Boy Ligas in a ten-rounder held in Tokyo, Japan.
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