Column: Best of Luck to John Michael Zulueta in his Fight in Thailand
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 May 2022
Felt blessed wishing the best of luck to unbeaten young Filipino boxer John Michael “The Striker” Zulueta today Friday here in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.
That’s because I have known Zulueta for years, and he is a fantastic kid, polite, hard-working, very religious and respectful to elders.
The brave and promising Zulueta (11-0-2, 4 KO’s), born in idyllic Calatrava in Negros Occidental, risks so much as he fights tomorrow Saturday, May 14, at the luxurious Spaceplus Night Club Bangkok.
His 6-rounder battle will be against tough, much-more-experienced Indonesian Jack Amisa, a clash that will be Zulueta’s comeback rumble after an almost 3-year hiatus due to the pandemia.
That’s why the skilled Filipino could not feel more excited. I talked to him, and that's what he said:
“I feel really good to be getting back in the ring. It’s my first time being in another country. Thailand is very nice. I want a win tomorrow.
“Because even when I had no fights, I kept on training. Every day.
“My fight tomorrow is non-title. Action is good for me. I feel strong. Ready for tomorrow.”
During the years that Zulueta was active, he got included in the light flyweight division world rankings of the IBF and the WBA.
In addition, the undefeated, calm Zulueta - who lives and trains in beautiful Bacolod - has reigned as regional IBF, IBO & ABF champion.
To me, in my heart, I feel that there is so much that John Michael can achieve in the sport he loves.
Importantly, Zulueta believes in himself, wanting to get back on climbing the boxing mountain... all the way to the top.
That’s why his return fight is such an important mission. Will he win it? I'll be there to watch and hope for the best.
For the important battle, Zulueta will be assisted by Benguet boxing coach Mr. Julius Tibao.
Best of luck John Michael Zulueta!!
Photo: Zulueta (R) poses with the author in Thailand Friday.
Carlos Costa of Panama is a veteran boxing writer. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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