Top RP pugs risk all tonite

Two unbeaten Cebuano fighters put their careers on the line when they face a pair of dangerous Thai battlers to highlight a blockbuster 64-round card at the Joe Cantada Sports Arena in Taguig tonight.

Philippine minimumweight champion Rodel Mayol takes on former Thai lightflyweight titleholder Chiaochan Thanasawet and Philippine lightflyweight ruler Wyndel Janiola meets Asian Boxing Council (ABC) lightflyweight king Pigmy Muangchaiyabhum in the mainers of promoter Edgardo (Boy) Cantada’s pre-Christmas show.

"The Thais have everything to gain and nothing to lose," said Cantada. "Mayol and Janiola have everything to lose and nothing to gain. That’s what makes the fights interesting. I expect both bouts to be hell-raising."

Admission is free at the spanking new Sports Arena which is exclusively equipped by Everlast, a well-known US boxing brand. Special guests will be treated to a dinner by invitation only before the first fight at 7 p.m.

"This is our way of saying thanks to all our sponsors, patrons, and fans who have supported three seasons of ‘Fistorama,’" said Cantada, referring to the popular 1970s TV fight program which he revived this year. "We wanted an international flavor for our yearend card. This is also our way of announcing bigger things to come for ‘Fistorama’ next year."

Mayol and Janiola are both rated in the top 10 of their divisions by the World Boxing Council (WBC). Both are in line for world title shots next year. Mayol is the No. 7 minimumweight and Janiola, the No. 7 lightflyweight. Neither Chiaochan nor Pigmy is rated so a win by either fighter will be a windfall.

Mayol, 21, is the country’s hottest young prospect for a world crown. He turned pro two years ago and has compiled an 11-0 record, with nine KOs, including three in the first round. Only Ken Nakajima and Nino Suelo have gone the distance with the hard-hitting Mayol. Among his victims were Jae Ho Kim of South Korea, veteran Allan Llanita, and Pigmy, Janiola’s opponent tonight.

Janiola, 23, also made his pro debut two years ago and has racked up a 12-0 record, with four KOs. Early this year, he outpointed rugged Celso Danggud to capture the Philippine 108-pound diadem. An upset decision over former WBC champion Saman Sorjaturong in Cambodia last April catapulted Janiola into the world’s top 10 ratings.

Chiaochan defeated Surachai Nakhonthon-Parkview to claim the Thai lightflyweight championship two years ago. He lost the crown last June to Samransak Singmanasak on a third round stoppage last June. His record is 6-5-1, with two KOs.

Pigmy, 21, is no stranger to Filipino ring fans. He’s fought twice here and displayed a big fighting heart in losing to Joma Gamboa and Mayol last year. Pigmy is a devil-may-care buzzsaw whose fighting style is reminiscent of legendary Thai champion Khaosai Galaxy.