GASCA DEFENDS OPBF BELT TODAY IN JAPAN
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 03 Nov 2011
Kobe, Japan--ALA fighter Roli "Barili" Gasca will defend his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) superbantam title today for the first time against Japanese challenger Yukinori Oguni at the Sambo Hall here in this city.
The 22-year-old Gasca, the pride of Barili, Cebu, and Japanese opponent Yukinori Oguni easily made weight during the official weigh-in held yesterday at the Kobe PortTower Hotel here in advance of their OPBF duel slated this afternoon.
Gasca came in at 121.75 lbs, while Oguni tipped the scales at 121.5 lbs during official weigh-in supervised by members of the Japan Boxing Commission and graced by international matchmaker Joe Koizumi.
Gasca, fighting out of the ALA Gym, will be making the first defense of his OPBF 122-lb crown against the taller Japanese fighter, who is about 4 inches taller than the young Filipino fighter.
The Filipino fighter Gasca (17-1, 3 KO), feeling great after a massage therapy session with renowned physical therapist Mr. JJ Matsuura upon the recommendation of long-time ALA Gym friend Ken Matsumoto, said that he is in tremendous shape and should be ready for today`s fight.
Oguni (6-0, 2 KO`s), however, is himself looking to be in great shape which should make for an exciting fight today. ALA trainers Peter Cuizon and Joseph Baldago expect the Japanese challenger to use his lateral skills, although they said they have already devised a gameplan for that.
Gasca had won the OPBF diadem with a majority decision victory over Japanese fighter Hiromasha Ohashi back in August.
Another Filipino fighter, Armando Casa, sees action in the undercard against a Japanese opponent.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
Tue, 06 May 2025Monster Dynamite: Inoue Crushes Cardenas in Eight
Mon, 05 May 2025"THE MONSTER" SURVIVES EARLY SCARE, DESTROYS CARDENAS IN THRILLING WAR TO RETAIN UNDISPUTED CROWN
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 05 May 2025Dana White to Promote Canelo vs. Crawford: UFC Boss Set to Elevate Superfight to Historic Levels
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 05 May 2025Bata Reyes impressed with upcoming young players during exhibition in Libis
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 05 May 2025