SANTILLAN VIES FOR OPBF CROWN TODAY IN TOKYO
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 03 Dec 2005
Iloilo City-raised Rev Santillan will attempt to regain his old title when he challenges Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) welter king Kazuhiko Hidaka in a 12-round rumble today at the mecca of Asian boxing at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall.
Both Santillan (21-2-1, 15 KO's) and Hidaka (22-4, 16 KO's) made perfect weight of 147 lbs at the official weigh-in yesterday supervised by the Japan Boxing Commission.
It will be a virtual battle of giants when the 5'11 Santillan goes up against fellow southpaw Hidaka, a wide-bodied fighter who stands at 5'10, in this much-anticipated rematch.
Last March, Hidaka had dethroned Santillan with a smashing fourth-round knockout victory in the same venue. It was a loss considered as a fluke by members of Team Santillan, as the fighter lacked focus going into the showdown.
This time, it will be a different Santillan who will face Hidaka, as the Iloilo City banger is reportedly in prime shape and ready to mix it up.
Joining Santillan in his corner today is trainer Brix Flores and manager Rex "Wakee" Salud.
"I expect a very tough fight for both guys. They are both ready to go. I could see it during the weigh-in," informed Salud in a message yesterday from Tokyo.
Meanwhile, over in Osaka, three top-ranked Filipinos also see action against Japanese fighters in crucial bouts at Osaka's Central Hall.
World-ranked Bert Batawang battles Hiroyuki Hisataka while ALA Boy Rollen Del Castillo takes on ex-WBC champ Katsunari Takayama. In the third bout, RP welter boss Dondon S ultan battles one-time OPBF challenger Taisei Marumoto.
END
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