Nashar says he doesn’t usually make predictions but Suico’s case is an exception. That’s because in 1997, Nashar claimed he was robbed of a win over Ian Fajardo on a hometown decision in his first-ever fight on Philippine soil. Since the disputed loss, Nashar has vowed to pulverize every Filipino he faces and so far, he’s been on track – he stopped Roberto Ruiz and Efren Legaspino twice.
Nashar isn’t taking any chances against Suico, the World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 6 contender and the Philippines’ 130-pound titlist. He won’t let another hometown decision get in the way of breaking into the WBC ratings. His goal is to put Suico to sleep.
"My experience and technique will wear him down," says Nashar. "Suico is talented and incredibly tall. He’s got power and doesn’t run. But he won’t touch my face – I’m too pretty."
Suico and Nashar are squaring off in a scheduled 12-round eliminator to decide Oriental champion Tiger Ari’s next challenger. It’s the main event of a blockbuster 70-round card assembled by Viva Vintage Sports in cooperation with main sponsor San Miguel Corp., former Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares, matchmarker Joe Koizumi and Cebu-based boxing manager Terry Carter.
In the undercard, former World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight champion Joma Gamboa takes on Samransak Singmanassak, Noel Tuñacao faces ex-WBA interim 105-pound king Songkram Porpaoin, and unbeaten future champion Rodel Mayol battles Pigmy Muangchaiya.
Gamboa has been assured of a crack at the WBA title, now held by Yutaka Niida, if he survives Samransak whose record is 13-3, with 11 KOs.
Songkram has beaten 16 Filipinos in his career and is out to make Tuñacao his next victim. Both are expected to go all out in the biggest fight of their careers. Mayol, a five-time national amateur champion, should find Pigmy a formidable foe – the Thai is a grizzled warrior who will never back down.
No doubt about it, the Ynares Center will rock tonight.