NIIDA TO TAP MEXICAN SPARMATES FOR GEJON FIGHT
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Jul 2005
World Boxing Association 105-lb king Yutaka Niida of Japan has made sure he is pulling no stops as he prepares for his September 25 titular defense against top Filipino fighter Eriberto "Yukka" Gejon at the Yokohama Arena, an hour's trip from mainland Tokyo.
Sources from Japan have informed that Niida will be importing to Tokyo "some Mexican sparmates" to help him prepare for the undefeated Filipino Gejon, who until the WBA fight was announced last Monday, had been largely a "well-kept secret" from Cebu by kingmaker Rex "Wakee" Salud.
"My opponent (Gejon) is tall but he looks like he can't take a hard punch. He's my favorite type of opponent," said Niida in a Philboxing.com story yesterday as quoted by Japan Today.
Gejon, however, will not be importing sparmates, but will rely on homegrown talents from Cebu to help him prepare for Niida. Among those eyed to spar against him are his older brother Elmer, the Philippine minifly champ, world-rated Wyndel Janiola, Gabriel Pumar, as well as a slew of fighters from the famed ALA Gym, Wakee Salud Gym and Stonewall Boxing Club.
"We are also planning to send him to Japan a good month before the fight. His good friend Rodel Mayol, who is in Japan at this time, wants to spar with him so he can help Gejon get better preparation," said trainer Brix Flores, who is Gejon's chief tactician.
Gejon's best buddy, ex-WBC flyweight boss Malcolm Tunacao, who is with Mayol in Japan, had also expressed interest in having Gejon fly to Japan one month before the fight so he could give pointers to his friend.
END
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Lorenzo Parra Vs Elijah Pierce and Jimuel Pacquiao Pro Debut Featured in Manny Pacquiao Promotions Nov. 29 Inaugural Event at Pechanga Resort Casino
Fri, 03 Oct 2025Villar and Astuvilca Make Weight for Title Rematch at All Star Boxing: Seneca Fight Night
Fri, 03 Oct 2025Allan Villanueva vs. Jyl Wright Headlines Peter Maniatis Event in Melbourne Oct. 3
Thu, 02 Oct 2025BUSTAMANTE AND JONES NAMED CAPTAINS FOR REYES CUP 2025
Thu, 02 Oct 2025Mike Tyson Joins BoltBetz as Strategic Investor and Promotional Partner to Usher in a New Era of Cashless Gaming
Thu, 02 Oct 2025BOXING LEGEND MANNY PACQUIAO LAUNCHES “MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS” IN THE UNITED STATES
Thu, 02 Oct 2025BOOTS HUNTING THE BIG FISH AT 154LBS
Thu, 02 Oct 2025IBA Unveils Historic 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships as Part of a Spectacular Two-Week ‘Festival of Boxing’ in Dubai with Unprecedented $8 Million Prize Pool
Thu, 02 Oct 2025Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National Open Event National Open Event Concludes with 1,870 Registered Participants in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Thu, 02 Oct 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 15: JOE FRAZIER’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 02 Oct 2025World Boxing relocates Congress 2025 to Rome
Thu, 02 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Behind the WBC Boxing Grand Prix
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 01 Oct 2025JOHANN CHUA BEGINS TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST IVICA PUTNIK AS DRAW CONFIRMED FOR 2025 HANOI OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 01 Oct 2025CUBAN FUTURE CHAMPIONS YOENLI HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI & GUSTAVO TRUJILLO HEADLINE ‘FISTS OF FURY 8’
Wed, 01 Oct 2025USA Boxing Finishes Canada Duel Undefeated
Wed, 01 Oct 2025