CEBU, Philippines - ALA Boxing Gym stalwart Rocky ‘Road Warrior’ Fuentes (35-6-2, 20KOs) gets what is by far the biggest break of his career as he will vie for the vacant IBF flyweight crown against unbeaten Thai contender Amnat Ruenroeng (11-0, 5KOs) on January 22 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Fuentes was initially scheduled to figure in an IBF title eliminator against Puerto Rican McWilliams Arroyo on January 25, but the fight was cancelled as ALA Promotions and its Puerto Rican counterpart could not agree to terms.
“Rocky (Fuentes) will now be fighting directly for the world title after South African champion Moruti Mthalane vacated his throne. Now he has to beat this Thai boxer to be a world champion,†said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer.
Aldeguer is confident that Fuentes will go home with the belt although he expresses a little concern regarding the decision if the match will go the distance.
“Rocky is a very experienced fighter and he has long been ready to become a world champion,†said Aldeguer. “I just hope that the Thailand officials will be fair enough in handling this fight.â€
Fuentes hasn't lost since 2008 and is on a 15-fight winning streak.
“I trained and prepared hard for this fight. I hope I can bring the belt here in the country,†said Fuentes, the current OPBF flyweight champion.
Fuentes must brace for an uphill battle though as he takes on Rueroeng, the reigning IBF Pan-Pacific flyweight champion. The Thai is highly regarded as ‘Filipino Executioner’ in his homeland having beaten a string of Pinoy journeymen in Louie Bantigue, Danilo Pena, Michael Rodriguez and Julius Alcos. (FREEMAN)