MAYOL SPARS WITH FELLOW OPBF CHAMP
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 29 Sep 2005
Reigning Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) minimumweight kingpin Rodel "Batang Mandaue" Mayol is now sparring with fellow OPBF champ, Takahisa Masuda, as they both prepare for upcoming fights.
Masuda, the 108-lb champ, is preparing for his mandatory title defense, while Mayol is preparing for a fight that will most likely be announced soon.
"He is very anxious to get a fight. He's been in condition, and ready to see action once again," said Mayol's wife Lira, when interviewed on the phone yesterday.
Mayol, the WBC's no. 1 contender, and Masuda, the WBC's no. 5 light flyweight contender, have been sparring against each other for a week now at the Dream Gym in Tokyo since the Filipino arrived upon the invitation of his new manager Yasuo Matsuoka, a Tokyo-based businessman.
The unbeaten Mayol arrived in Japan last September 23 together with superstar Manny Pacquiao and ex-WBC flyweight champ Malcolm Tunacao, then immediatedly proceeded to Yokohama to cheer for close buddy Eriberto Gejon vie for the WBA title against Japan's Yutaka Niida.
The Mandaue City-raised Mayol is still awaiting for his crack at the WBC 105-crown held by Japan-based Thai Eagle Kyowa. Ironically, Kyowas is set to defend the title on January 7 in Tokyo against Ken Nakajima, who was one-sidedly beaten up by Mayol in 2001 right in him hometurf in Takasago, Japan.
The Filipino champ last saw action on April 4, winning a highly-lopsided decision over Takayuki Korogi in Osaka.
END
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