NIIDA STEPS UP TRAINING FOR GEJON BOUT
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 29 Aug 2005
World Boxing Association 105-lb kingpin Yutaka Niida is practically not pulling any stop as he prepares for what will most likely be his toughest challenge to date as he defends his world crown against Cebuano Eriberto "Yukka" Gejon on September 25 at the 20,000-capacity Yokohama Arena.
Promoted by Japan's top promoter Akihiko Honda, the fight is dubbed "World Premium Boxing No. 1" and will be telecast live on a 2-hour program in Japan on Channel 4/Nippin TV starting at 6:55PM.
Ex-WBC flyweight challenger Luis Angel Martinez and Daniel Saldivar, both from Mexico, have been tapped to help Niida prepare for the rangy Gejon, a protege of Cebu kingmaker Wakee Salud. Both Martinez and Saldivar stand at 5'7.
"I heard my opponent is good. But it seems he cannot take a good punch," said Niida (18-1-3, 8 KO's) in an interview with the Japanese press on the day the fight was made official by Teiken Promotions, Incorporated.
Gejon, unbeaten in 22 fights with 13 KO's and 1 draw, has been holed up in hi native Mandaue City, sparring against local fighters, most notably OPBF 105 champ Rodel Mayol, who is rated no. 1 by the WBC and being groomed to vie for the WBC crown early next year.
Gejon is set to depart for Tokyo accompanied by manager Wakee Salud, trainer Brix Flores, and a coterie of Salud's business associates.
END
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