Sunday, August 19, 2007 Wakee confident Bardon will win rematch
CEBU-based Jojo Bardon will defend his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight belt against No.5 contender Masaharu Naganawa in a rematch today at the Industrial Hall in Gifu, Japan.
This will be Bardon’s first title defense after winning the vacant belt against Naganawa last February at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Aichi.
Bardon’s split decision win was Naganawa’s first ever defeat in 15 fights with 11 bouts won and two fights drawn.
Team Bardon has anticipated a very hostile crowd as the bout will be held at Naganawa’s hometown Gifu.
However, his manager Rex “Wakee” Salud is confident of the chances of the 28-year-old champion from San Carlos City.
“The boy is well motivated and he knows what to do. I am confident that Bardon will keep his title,” Salud said before he left to join Bardon in Japan.
Bardon is on a three-fight winning streak after he lost by unanimous decision to Trash Nakanuma in June last year.
He made two successful title defenses of the Philippine 112- lb. title before he fought for the vacant oriental belt last February and won over the erstwhile undefeated Naganawa.
Bardon’s tenacity and punching prowess earned him the title which was not anticipated by the Japanese camp.
After earning the outright rematch, Naganawa is expected to come back strong.
But this doesn’t worry Salud, who is certain of his boy’s win.
“Bardon has prepared well enough since his defense was announced in April. All he needs to do is to fight the same way he fought when he won the title,” Salud added.
Bardon escaped with thrilling 115-113, 115-113 scores on the two judges while the third judge scored the bout 116-113 for Naganawa. (RCM)
