Suico to make ring comeback

CEBU, Philippines - After a 16-month hiatus, former world title challenger Randy "Kumong Bato" Suico (30-6-1, 25KOs) will make a ring return against Japanese Takayuki Hosokawa (19-9-3, 5KOs) in a junior middleweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds on April 15 in Osaka, Japan.

The 32-year-old Suico won his last bout by majority decision over former Philippine welterweight champion Arnel Tinampay, once a sparring partner of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, in November 2010 but he suddenly stopped boxing due to personal reasons.

Upon thorough assessment of himself, Suico decided to stage a comeback and re-ignite the fire that once made him one of Cebu's most respected prize-fighters.

"I feel that I still have something to show," said Suico, who trains religiously for three weeks now at the RWS Gym of Cebuano promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud.

In making such decision, Suico admitted that he draws inspiration from his contemporary and close pal Malcolm "Eagle Eye' Tuñacao, the former WBC flyweight titlist who is on nine-fight winning streak capped by a fourth round stoppage of Yuki Takemoto last March 3 at the Central Gym in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.

"I'm really inspired by Malcolm (Tuñacao) because he keeps on winning. I don't see any reason why I can do it. But of course, I have to work hard for it," said Suico.

Suico, Tuñacao and Rev "The Gentle Giant" Santillan were the original "Golden Boys of Cebu Boxing" launched by ALA Promotions in 1998. They have walked down separate ways since they bolted out of the country's top promotional firm a decade ago.

In his comeback bid, Suico will take on a Japanese warrior who has figured in a title bout only once, losing by sixth round TKO to compatriot Makoto Fuchigami in their Japanese middleweight championship on August 8 last year at Tokyo's historic Korakuen hall.

Hosokawa, however, bounced back in style, knocking out Ekapop Mor Krungthep Thonburee of Thailand in the sixth round on November 13, 2011 at the Sukiyoshi Ward Center in his hometown Osaka.

Suico, on the other hand, lost three of his last five bouts. He once vied for the WBA lightweight title but was stopped in the ninth round by Mexico's Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz on July 15, 2006 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. - THE FREEMAN