SunStar Cebu: Suico to defend OPBF title vs Japanese

Randy “Kumo’ng Bato" Suico will defend his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight belt against No. 2 Japanese challenger Koji Samejima in Cebu on July 21, according report posted at the SunStar Cebu website on Wednesday. Promoter Rex “Wakee" Salud will announce the venue later. The 27-year-old Suico, who's from Mandaue City, is the shorter fighter in this contest. The 5-foot-9 Mandaue City native will fight against the 5-foot-10 Samejima. Suico holds a win-loss-draw card of 26-3-0, with 22 knockouts. Samejima, who is on a four-fight winning streak, three by knockouts, has a 15-1-1 card, with 6 KOs. This will be Suico’s second defense after taking the title in October 2006 over Pongpetch Chuwatana of Thailand. Last April 23, he defeated, via unanimous decision, quick-footed challenger Tomonori Nakagawa. On May 21 last year, Samejima knocked out Denlangoo Tor Tiebkoon in six rounds. On October 8, he defeated Filipino boxer Dexter Delada by a second-round knockout. On December 30, he defeated Songnarong Kiatsingnoi also by a second-round knockout. The undercard for the Suico-Samejima main event will be a 10-round bout between Eriberto “Yukka" Gejon against a yet to be named opponent. Gejon who holds a 23-1-1 record, including 14 by knockout. After his match with Samejim, Suico is expected to go against rock-punching Japanese fighter Keita Manabe. - GMANews.TV