PETALCORIN LOOKS SHARP IN FINAL SPARRING SESSION
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 15 Apr 2012
Pan Asia Boxing Association light flyweight champion Randy Petalcorin (16-1, 13 KO?s) looked sharp in his final sparring session prior to his title defense against Thailand?s Samartlek Chaiyong Gym at the Mandaluyong City gymnasium on April 21.
His American trainer Rick Staheli told the Manila Standard that southpaw Petalcorin was ?the best he ever looked? in this training camp during his final sparring session on Saturday. He said he was quick, moved well and used combinations effectively against bantamweights Rey Las Pinas who lost in a title fight to Monico Laurente last March 25 and veteran Lowie Bantigue at the Prime Time Gym in Angeles City.
Petalcorin?s manager, well known Australian promoter and host of the popular TV show ?KO Boxing? in Australia, Peter Maniatis is arriving on Tuesday to attend the pre-fight press conference and to be at ringside for the exciting fight card which will be telecast on a slightly delayed basis by AKTV IBC 13 on its ?Pinoy Knockout? series.
Staheli said Petalcorin would wind down his training beginning Monday and they would work on strategy for the fight since the trainer believes Samartlek ?is going to run and we need to work on Randy cutting the ring off.?
Staheli who trained ?Fighter of the Decade? Manny Pacquiao for his first world title when he scored a stunning 8th round knockout over Thai hero Chatchai Sasakul believes Petalcorin ?has got the ability to become a world champion? pointing out that Petalcorin ? is actually a mini flyweight and he can make a 105 pounds. I would rather see him fight for a world title at 105 pounds because that?s where he can be and he?s a big puncher at that weight.?
The trainer said ?let him defend his title a few times and he?ll be knocking at the No.1 spot very soon and then he?ll be a mandatory for somebody. I expect big things from him.?
Randy Petalcorin (L) and his manager Peter Maniatis.
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