Mancio vies for OPBF crown today

CEBU, Philippines - ALA Boxing Gym stalwart Jerson ‘Smooth Operator’ Mancio (18-3-3, 9KOs) hopes become a regional champion as he takes on Japan’s hometown pride Naoya Inoue (4-0, 3KOs) in a 12-round rumble for the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight belt today in Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan.

The 25-year-old Mancio will hurdle a tough challenge fighting in enemy’s lair, but the Esperanza, Agusan del Sur fighter is confident in capturing the elusive OPBF title.

Both Mancio and Inoue easily hit the 108-pound limit during the official weigh-in yesterday.

It will be Mancio's second OPBF title shot since he lost to Ryo Miyazaki by fourth round TKO on October 2, 2011 at the IMP Hall in Osaka, Japan.

Mancio rides on the crest of a five-fight winning streak capped with a second round technical decision win over Jovel Romasasa last August 17 at the Magsaysay Park in Davao City.

Mancio is also the Philippine 108-pound champion after his fifth round stoppage of Charlie Cabilla on April 20, last year at the Mandaue City Plaza Square in Brgy. Centro, Mandaue City.

“He (Mancio) will have the upper hand when it comes to experience but this will not be easy because he is fighting in enemy territory,” said ALA chief  tactician Edito Villamor. “Mancio trained hard for this fight and we are hoping that he can bring home the title.” (FREEMAN)