MULING nagtala ng matikas na panalo si dating interim WBA light flyweight champion Randy Petalcorin kaya inaasahang aangat siya sa world ranking at magkaroon ng pagkakataon na lumaban sa world title sa taong ito.
“Former WBA light flyweight champion Randy Petalcorin was impressive in stopping Mark Anthony Florida in round seven of a scheduled ten round bout at Lagao Gym, General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines on Saturday,” ayon sa ulat ni Australian writer Ray Wheatley ng World of Boxing na nag-cover ng sagupaan sa South Cotabato.
Ayon sa promoter ni Petalcorin na si Peter Maniatis na isa ring Australian, bagama’t ranked No. 7 lamang si Petalcorin sa IBF, maaari niyang hamunin ang magwawagi kina IBF light flyweight champion Akira Yaegashi ng Japan at interim titlist Milan Melindo ng Pilipinas na magsasagupa sa Mayo.
“We feel we are ready to fight for the IBF world title and have no hesitation in accepting the world title bout fight imminently with the winner of Akira Yaegashi and Milan Melindo bout in May,” sambit ni Maniatis.
“Petalcorin dropped Florida twice before knocking him out in the 7th round to win. It was an impressive win as Petalcorin has been training very hard at Sandman Gym and we’re looking to win another world title again this year or fight in an eliminator for the number one ranking,” aniya.
May rekord si Petalcorin na 26-2-1, kabilang ang 19 panalo sa knockout at nakalista ring No. 8 contender kay WBC junior flyweight champion Ganigan Lopez ng Mexico. (Gilbert Espeña)