Lofranco faces Refugio for WBA Asia title
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 08 Jan 2025
ORTHODOX Arnel “The Sniper” Lofranco of Davao City will face veteran Jonathan “Hard Worker” Refugio of Malaybalay City on February 15 at the Kulaman Gym in SNA, Sultan Kudarat.
“I'm ready for our fight,” said 21-year-old Lofranco.
Lofranco [7-1-0, 4KOs] had three fights last year all in victories.
He recently won the vacant MinProBA minimum weight title by beating Ariston “Double A” Aton of Lapu-Lapu City by a unanimous decision last September 19 in Bislig City.
Lofranco first stopped Jayson Francisco of Kidapawan City by technical knockout in the 2nd round last April 21 in Manolo Fortich.
He then beat Roldan Sasan of Bohol by a unanimous decision last July 26 at Calinan Gym in Davao City.
Lofranco will fight Refugio, who recently lost to Joey Canoy via a 5th round retirement last August 30, 2024 at Polomolok.
“He’s a veteran opponent and he has a lot of experience compared to me,” said Lofranco.
The 31-year-old Refugio won the WBC International light flyweight title against Richard Claveras of Silay via a unanimous decision last February 20, 2016 in Taguig City.
He settled a majority draw with Seita Ogido of Japan for the vacant WBC Youth World light flyweight last January 8, 2017 in Tomigusuku.
Refugio then lost in challenging Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation minimum weight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi by a unanimous decision last April 25, 2017 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
Refugio bowed by a split decision to Orlie Silvestre of Isulan for the vacant Philippine light flyweight title last December 15, 2019 in General Santos City.
Refugio then was knocked out by Arvin Magramo of Paranaque in the 3rd round for the WBO Oriental light flyweight title last October 16, 2022 at the Elorde Sports Complex in Paranaque City.
The Lofranco-Refugio fight is the main event promoted by Justine Firmo Aligato.
Matchmaker is Rodel Garde.
MAIN EVENT.
Arnel “The Sniper” Lofranco [left] and Jonathan “Hard Worker” Refugio
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