
TUNACAO IN OPBF TITLE BOUT AGAINST ROLLY MATSUSHITA!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 14 Dec 2006
Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight champion Malcolm Tunacao will defend his title for the first time against a compatriot when he takes on Rolly Matshushita(formerly Lunas) in a 12-round tiff on January 13 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
This will be a battle between two Filipinos now managed by Japanese boxing managers.
The southpaw Tunacao, the former WBC flyweight champion, had won the OPBF title with a one-sided decision win over ex-champ Kumarnthong Por Pluemkamol of Thailand late last year in a fight also held in Tokyo.
"My next fight has been confirmed for January 13 against Lunas. This will be a tough battle," said Tunacao in an interview over the weekend.
Tunacao, managed by Japan's Yasuo Matsuoka, then successfully defended it twice against Japanese challengers, before earning a non-title win in his last fight against Masahito Igawa last November 11.
Lunas, now managed by Naoyuki Kashimi and using his sponsor name Matsushita, is the former PABA flyweight and RP flyweight champion.
Also seeing action are former WBF champ William Magahin and hot featherweight prospect Michael Farenas of Kosuke Washio/Gerry Penalosa Stable.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
BOXING LEGEND MANNY PACQUIAO LAUNCHES “MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS” IN THE UNITED STATES
Thu, 02 Oct 2025BOOTS HUNTING THE BIG FISH AT 154LBS
Thu, 02 Oct 2025IBA Unveils Historic 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships as Part of a Spectacular Two-Week ‘Festival of Boxing’ in Dubai with Unprecedented $8 Million Prize Pool
Thu, 02 Oct 2025Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National Open Event National Open Event Concludes with 1,870 Registered Participants in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Thu, 02 Oct 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 15: JOE FRAZIER’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 02 Oct 2025World Boxing relocates Congress 2025 to Rome
Thu, 02 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Behind the WBC Boxing Grand Prix
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 01 Oct 2025JOHANN CHUA BEGINS TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST IVICA PUTNIK AS DRAW CONFIRMED FOR 2025 HANOI OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 01 Oct 2025CUBAN FUTURE CHAMPIONS YOENLI HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI & GUSTAVO TRUJILLO HEADLINE ‘FISTS OF FURY 8’
Wed, 01 Oct 2025USA Boxing Finishes Canada Duel Undefeated
Wed, 01 Oct 2025Dana White Seeks to Make Significant Changes in the World Boxing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 01 Oct 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 September 2025: Ferreira Retains IBF 135 Belt by Outpointing Moneo; Clavel Dethrones IBF 105 Champ Cudos
By Eric Armit, Tue, 30 Sep 2025Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 30 Sep 2025Dante Stone is last American standing in Inaugural WBC Grand Prix
Tue, 30 Sep 2025Age Defying Triumph: At Age 50 Toshihiko Era Wins World Title
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 30 Sep 2025