Benguet pugs set sight on fights abroad

TWO Benguet-based boxers will try their luck abroad next week to better their rankings in their respective weight divisions.

Geboi Mansalayao and Rey Lorito of the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet will fly to Thailand and Japan, respectively, to battle separate rivals hoping to bring another honor not only for their promoter but for the country as well.

“Geboi will be fighting for the title in Thailand and Rey will be fighting in Osaka, Japan. Hopefully makakuha ulit tayo ng isang title pa,” said Highland Boxing Gym manager Brico Santig in a text message.

Despite an 8 win, 11 loss and four draws, Mansalayao, who hails from Davao Del Sur was chosen to fight for the vacant WBC Asia Council Continental flyweight title against Thai Saenmuangloei Kokietgym in Nong Yai, Thailand slated November 6.

The 27-year-old Kokietgym has a better record against Mansalayao with 14 wins, including three knockouts and four defeats with three draws winning 10 of his last 11 fights as compared to the Filipino fighter who lost three in his last five bouts.

Prior to the Mansalayao–Kokietgym bout, Filipino pug Lorito will first strut his wares in Japan on November 3 against upcoming Japanese fighter Atsushi Kakutani.

Lorito, originally from Davao City, will try to continue his seven winning streak since losing against John Paul Bautista in June 18, 2011 at Ynares Plaza Gymnasium in Binagonan, Rizal.

After that loss, Lorito then captured the Pan Asian Boxing Association light flyweight title against Thai pug Wisanu Kokietgym on June 28 of the same year in Bangkok, Thailand for his 15 wins, including eight knock outs, and 11 losses.

The Japanese Kakutani, meanwhile, holds the record of 11 wins, with five knock outs and three losses with 1 draw who won two of his last five bouts including one draw.

Santig’s Highland Boxing Gym is also the handler WBO Oriental bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan and newly crowned IBF Pan Pacific minimumweight title holder Matteo Handig.