CEBU, Philippines - ALA Boxing Gym standout Rocky "The Road Warrior" Fuentes (35-6, 20KOs) faces the biggest challenge of his career as he battles the undefeated Thai prospect Amnat Ruenroeng (11-0, 5KOs) for the vacant IBF flyweight crown today in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The 27-year-old Fuentes was originally scheduled to take on McWilliams Arroyo in an IBF title eliminator on January 25 in Puerto Rico, but the fight was cancelled as ALA Promotions and its Puerto Rican counterpart could not agree to terms.
It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Fuentes as a bigger opportunity swiftly knocked on his door - an outright world title shot.
Fuentes, the reigning OPBF 112-pound king, said he had waited so long for this chance and that he will give the best he possibly could to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a world champion.
“I've waited for this chance and I will do everything I can to reach my dream of becoming a world champion,†said Fuentes, who is on a 15-fight winning streak that spanned for six years already.
“A knockout would be a great way to win the title since I am fighting in his (Ruenroeng) territory but I am also ready for a 12-round fight,†added the Cebuano power-hitter who hasn't lost a bout since 2007.
Fighting at enemy's lair is no problem for Fuentes. In fact, he is nicknamed "The Road Warrior" having hurdled six ring assignments against Japanese opponents in Japan.
“There is no hometown disadvantage for Rocky in this fight. He is used to fighting in the home country of his opponents. I rely in his experience and mindset to win this one,†ALA Stable trainer Edmund Villamor said.
Villamor added that they are also not intimidated by Ruenroeng’s reputation as ‘Filipino Executioner’ having beaten a string of Pinoy journeymen in Louie Bantigue, Danilo Pena, Michael Rodriguez and Julius Alcos.
"He (Rueroeng) is a good boxer because he is a former Olympian, but Rocky is very different from the Filipino boxers he has defeated,†added Villamor. (FREEMAN)