UP-AND-COMER Garen Diagan attempts to win his first regional belt as he challenges unbeaten World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia minimumweight champion Huu Toan Le Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Saigon Sports Club in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Following back-to-back losses, Diagan won the biggest fight of his promising career after scoring a seventh-round stoppage of aging two-time world title challenger and former International Boxing Organization (IBO) minimumweight king Simpiwe Konkco last year in South Africa.

The 26-year-old Diagan, who hails from General Santos City, failed to win a regional belt in his first try last year. He fought Thai Danai Ngiabphulhiaw for the World Boxing Council (WBC) ABC light flyweight strap and lost by unanimous decision.

Some of Diagan’s notable wins are against April Jay Abne, Arvin Magramo, Jerry Francisco and Jake Amparo.

Diagan is making a run for a possible world title shot and a win over a fellow world-rated fighter like Le should help him move up the ladder. He’s currently ranked No. 7 by the WBC, wherein Panya Pradabsri is the current champion.

On the other hand, the 30-year-old Le won the WBA Asia belt last year after a unanimous decision win over Thai Kitidech Hirunsuk in Vietnam. He successfully defended his belt with a split decision over Amparo later that year.

Le is also making a run for a world title shot. He’s currently ranked No. 8 by the WBA, in which Erick Rosa is the regular titleholder and Thammanoon Niyomtrong is the Super champion.

Both Diagan and Le weighed in at 104.7 pounds.

Diagan is 9-3 with five knockouts, while Le is 6-0 with three knockouts. (EKA)