Dual boxing championship set October 14 in Mandaue

Cebu boxing fans can look forward to an explosive double championship card featuring the ring return of Randy "Kumong Bato" Suico and the first shot at glory of unbeaten local prospect Jerope Mercado on October 14 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

The Mandaue City-native Suico will trade bombs with Pongpetch Chuwatana of Thailand in the 12-round main event for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight championship.

This will be the first time Suico will see action before his hometown fans since knocking out Thai Muangfahlek Kiatwichean in the fourth round on April 27 last year at the Lapu-Lapu City Sports Complex.

Also, this serves as Suico's comeback fight since losing in his World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title bid by ninth round TKO to Mexican Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz last July 15 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The setback was only Suico's third in 27 pro fights adorned by 21 victories via stoppage.

On paper, Chuwatana appears to be no serious threat for Suico, having lost 14 of his 23 bouts.

Suico, however, has no reason to underestimate Chuwatana as seven of the Thai's nine wins were coming by way of knockout.

In his previous bout last June 14 in Bangkok, Chuwatana presented another proof of his devastating punching power when he flattened fellow countryman Lukyod Patanasingh in the first round.

Meanwhile, Mercado hopes to have his share of the limelight when he challenges reigning champion Eden Sonsona for the Philippine super flyweight title in a must-see showdown of young and undefeated warriors.

Mercado, a protege of the famed Rex "Wakee" Salud Stable, is unscathed in 10 fights spiked with 4KOs, while Sonsona also sports an immaculate 9-0 record, but with only one win via short distance.

Sonsona, who hails from Bola, General Santos City, will make the first defense of the crown he wrested by beating Eric Barcelona via split decision last May 20 at the Ynares Plaza Gymnasium in Binangonan, Rizal.

Six more action-packed bouts have been lined-up to entertain the crowd in the slambang card presented by RWS International and sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).