Lopez to use advantages vs challenger

MANILA, Philippines - Silvester Lopez intends to use his height and reach advantages to the hilt in making his second title defense of the World Boxing Council (WBC) international super flyweight crown against tiny Thai challenger Wandee Singwancha at the Ynares Center in Pasig City on Saturday.

“Di ako lalaban ng malapitan dahil maliit yong Thai at kakayanin kong lahat para manalo,” said the 22-year-old pride of Kabalasan, Zamboanga Sibugay in yesterday’s press preview at the Elorde-Makati gym.

Standing at 5-foot-6, Lopez is four inches taller than the 30-year-old Thai prizefighter, who once held the WBC interim light flyweight title by beating Juanito Rubillar by unanimous decision in Bangkok four years ago.

Speaking through his Canadian assistant trainer David Trehanne, who has been living in Thailand for three decades, Singwangcha reiterated that he was unfazed by the Filipino champ’s advantages in the headliner of the “Bakbakan sa Elorde” card supported by Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr., Burlington socks and Ginebra San Miguel.

“He (Wandee) is comfortable in fighting taller fighters so going up against Lopez is not a problem,” said Trehanne, who disclosed that his charge once fought a Japanese boxer who stood at 5-foot-7.