WBC approves Peñalosa title defense

The World Boxing Council has approved the staging of the Gerry Peñalosa-Keiji Yamaguchi clash on May 5 where the Filipino fighter hopes to defend his WBC international superflyweight crown at the Araneta Coliseum.

In a message faxed to GAB chairman Dominador Cepeda Jr., Mauro Betti, head of the WBC international championship body, said the May 5 fight "is definitely approved" and the world’s most prestigious governing body for pro had "no objections to the fight and will support" the championship bout.

Peñalosa has been training in earnest for his third title defense against the Japanese fighter, whom noted Japanese matchmaker and manager Joe Koizumi described as "tough" and should not be taken lightly.

This developed as WBC president Jose Sulaiman told the Japan Boxing Commission that he is "very delighted to see Japanese fighters involved in our WBC international championships."

Yamaguchi, an aggressive hard-hitting fighter, is a former WBA world light flyweight champion who is coming off a big knockout victory over Thai challenger Ratanachai Sor Vorapin.

Sulaiman made the comment in connection with the May 5 blockbuster card, which will also feature two other Filipinos, former WBA minimumweight champion Joma Gamboa and newest ring sensation Randy Suico, who are lined up against two rugged Thai opponents.