BINUKBUKAY SA SUGBO: Korean pug issues "kill" warning against Japanese foe

Sports

SOUTH Korean Jong Seong Kang is bent on going home a champion, vowing to do it all when he defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global featherweight title against Japanese challenger Ryoto Owan in the main event of OX KBDF's "Binukbukay sa Sugbo" on Saturday, February 8, at the Convention Center of the posh NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu City.

Meeting his opponent a day before the fight, Kang issued a bold threat.

"I will kill him in six rounds. The Japanese is a very good boxer. But tomorrow, I'm going to put on a show, I'm killing him," said Kang after the card's weigh-in proceedings on Friday, February 7.

Kang, 23, is gunning for a world title shot, and an impressive victory will bring him closer to that ambitious goal.

Kang is currently rated No. 4 by the WBO and No. 18 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in the featherweight division.

Unlike his opponent, Owan appeared calm. He said he will do the talking on top of the ring.

"I will win tomorrow (today) and bring the belt back to Japan and earn a spot in the world rankings," he said.

Fighting for the first time outside

Japan, the 26-year-old Owan is targeting a third straight win.

Kang came in at 125.7 pounds while Owan while slightly lighter at 125.2 pounds.

Defending his belt just for the second time, Kang holds a 20-1-2 with 11 knockouts (KOs). Owan has a 13-2 slate with eight KOs

In another featured fight, Genesis Servania (35-4, 16 KOs) likewise vowed to put on a show in his first fight in Cebu in 12 years.

Servania will take on Chinese Aketelieti Yelejian (9-4-1, 2 KOs) for the WBO Oriental welterweight belt.

"I'm ready. I'll do my best to win. This fight will be a brawl. I'll go for a knockout if the opportunity comes," the Bacolod City native Servania said. "I'm so excited. Cebu is my home and I won't allow him to beat me here.

The third WBO championship will have Rodex Piala (10-1, 1 KO) facing Chinese slugger Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke (10-2, 7 KOs) for the latter's WBO Oriental super featherweight strap.

"I don't feel any pressure at all. I'm confident fighting in my hometown. I'll put on a show and try to get that belt," said Piala.

Adding excitement to the card was the announcement of OX KBDF head Dr. Winley Dela Fuente, who promised Servania and Piala a P100,000 bonus if they knock out their respective foes.

In the undercard, former world champion Vic Saludar (25-6, 15 KOs) faces Roldan Sasan (8-6-1, 3 KOs), Jason Balajadia (5-1, 4 KOs) battles Vergel Deguma (9-9, 4 KOs), Fil-Swede prospect Alexander Fredriksson (1-0, 1 KO) takes on last-minute replacement Reymund Empic (8-8-2, 3 KOs), Raffie Jamero (2-2, 1 KO) tangles with Yulie Hindoy (4-2, 3 KOs) and Trestan Jay Racho makes his pro debut against fellow newcomer Aubrey Silot.(CCM)