Gabutan, Thai challenger vow early finish

WITH BOTH fighters tipping the scale at 115 lbs, WBO oriental bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan and Meechai Kiatpracha promised to knock each other out in their 12 round slugfest at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym.

World number 8 Gabutan, who will have his second title defense after successfully defending the crown last December, is set to go all out against the 28 year old native of Bangkok, Thailand today (April 15).

“Kaya natin yung challenger wag lang mag kumpyansa, may tsansa din po tayo na maknock out yung kalaban lalo pag tumama po yung pamatay na suntok ko,” said the 22 year old Gabutan who hails from Besao, Mountain Province.

But his Thai opponent has similar thoughts in mind as Kiatpracha, who owns a record of 11 wins and four knock outs with one loss vows to bring home the belt after their match.

“I worked hard for this, I am already 100 percent in condition and I will knock him down,” said the Thai challenger in their language.  

Gabutan has 12 victories, including five knock outs, one loss and two draws in his professional boxing career.

“Ang game plan lang po naming eh kunin namin sa distansya at yung footwork, kelangan di ako pahuhuli sa kanay para maiwasan yung knock out,” added the southpaw Gabutan.

However, Gabutan, said he is not taking Kiatpracha, who has defeated seven Filipino boxers in his professional bout, lightly.

Meechai, ranked as the number two oriental bantamweight contender will eye for his 12th victory over-all, and eighth Filipino victim in his boxing career since turning pro in 2004.

Several undercards will also see action before the main event of the evening against visiting boxers under the Highland Boxing Promotions of Brico Santig with Wilber Andogan facing Jonathan Ricablanca, Roilo Golez battling Danny Mabao, and Elmar Francisco clashing against Brian Diano.

Also in the undercard are John Ray Pasaylo meeting Vic Racuma, Alvin Bais testing the mettle of John Manepranum, Rodel Tejares fighting John Bautista, and Nelson Merilin facing Melchor Bautista.

In supporting amateur boxing, the Naris-Highland Promotions in coordination with the municipalities of La Trinidad and Besao will also feature upcoming boxers.

Eight amateur boxing matches, which will pit the best from Burgos, la Union and fighters from La Trinidad  will start at 2 pm with the professional fights firing off at 4 pm. Roderick Osis