SANTILLAN LEAVES TODAY FOR TOKYO OPBF BOUT
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 30 Nov 2005
Rev "Gentle Giant" Santillan departs today as he aims to re-establish himself as the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation welterweight king when he goes up against reigning champion Kazuhiko Hidaka on December 3 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
The southpaw Santillan flies on a Philippine Airlines flight PR 434 bound for Narita at 7:55 AM today, accompanied by trainer Brix Flores. From Narita, the duo will immediately proceed to Tokyo, and will be staying at the Satoh Hotel until December 4.
Santillan's manager Rex 'Wakee' Salud and Filipino boxing judge Alex Vidal of Iloilo are scheduled to fly to Tokyo on December 2.
The Iloilo-born Santillan (21-2-1, 15 KO's) is aiming to regain the OPBF tiara for the third time following his dethronement early this year by Hidaka (22-4, 16 KO's), a gallant, muscle-bound fighter with powers in both fists.
To prepare for Hidaka, Santillan sparred against big boys at the ALA Gym, Wakee Salud Gym and Elorde Gym. Among those who helped him prepare for this important fight were ex-OPBF champ Dennis Laurente, RP welter champ Dondon Sultan, and Sugar Ray Estrada.
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