Lopez, Thai make 115-lb limit for bout

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight champion Silvester Lopez and Thai challenger Wandee Singwancha easily made the 115-lb weight limit yesterday, paving the way for their crucial showdown at the Ynares Center in Pasig today.

Under the supervision of Games and Amusement Board (GAB) boxing division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, Lopez, who was first to weigh in, and Singwancha both tipped the scales at 115 to the delight of the small gallery at the GAB office in Makati.  

Both fighters later said they were prepared and ready to go in a match which gives the winner a crack at the regular WBC super flyweight crown vacated by Vic Darchinyan, who has moved up to the bantamweight division. 

“I won’t let this rare chance slip away,” said the 22-year-old Lopez in Filipino.

The Lopez-Singwancha fight headlines the “Bakbakan sa Elorde” card backed by Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr. and sponsored by Burlingon socks, Ginebra San Miguel and Gerry’s Grill.

Lopez, the 5-foot-6 pride of Kabalasan, Zamboanga Sibugay, reiterated that he and trainer Fernando Cabanela will aim to use his four-inch height and two-inch reach edge over his diminutive rival by preventing the veteran Thai from fighting in close range.

The 64-year-old Cabanela, a former RP flyweight and bantamweight champion, said the plan is to go for a counter although he expects his ward to attack in every opportunity.