Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Rolly Matsushita’s Rival Is Panama’s National Hero


Like Roberto Duran, reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion Anselmo Moreno is being hailed in Panama as national hero.
"Pero hindi po ako natatakot sa kanya. Ito na po kasi ang aking pagkakataon na maging world champion (But I am not afraid of him because this will be my chance to become a world champion)," Filipino Rolly Lunas Matsushita told Phil-boxing in a text message from Kanazawa, Japan where he is based.
Matsushita, 24, who is managed by Japanese Naoyuki Kashimi, confirmed that he will be fighting Moreno (23-1, 8 KOs) for the WBA title on October 30 at the Figali Convention Center in Panama City.
"Puspusan na po ang training ko dito sa Japan at ito na ang pinakamahalagang laban sa buhay ko kaya manalangin na lang po tayo (I have been training hard for the most important fight in my life so let us just pray)," Matsushita added.
Matsushita’s crack at Moreno’s title came after he successfully posted his fourth defense of the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) 118-lb crown against Kaona Klongpajol of Thailand in Lahug, Cebu City last August 2.
Kashimi immediately negotiated for his ward’s championship battle against Moreno after the World Boxing Council (WBC) failed to declare the No. 3 ranked Filipino import as mandatory challenger of WBC bantamweight champion. /MP

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