Cebuano boxers Gabunilas, Trazo eye wins in Japan

Sports

TWO Cebuano boxers will travel to Japan with one thing in mind: get a win.

John Paul Gabunilas and Justine Trazo, stablemates at Chao Sy Boxing Stable, will try to get their streak going when they face separate opponents in Tokyo, Japan on Nov. 7.

Gabunilas will take on Shori Umezo while Trazo will test the mettle of debuting Seijuro Mizoguchi.

Gabunilas, who has racked up two straight wins after a long hiatus, expressed excitemen over his upcoming fight abroad.

“I am excited because I will be fighting again abroad. With God’s help, I will be doing my best to get a win,” said Gabunilas.

Gabunilas last fought in Japan in August 2024.

“The last time I fought in Japan, it was disheartening because I suffered a big cut on my forehead. I lost via technical knockout but the cut was caused by a headbutt,” Gabunilas said, referring to his fight with Thanongsak Simsri, the reigning International Boxing Federation light-flyweight champion.

Gabunilas, owner of 12 wins, nine by knockout, and four losses, will be testing the mettle of Shori Umezo, who sports a 13W-2L-3D, 9KOs record.

Trazo, on the other hand, will be putting his unbeaten record on the line.

“It’s my first time to fight abroad, that’s why I trained for this,” said Trazo, who is off to a 4-0 start with two knockout wins.

Trazo has already mapped out against a neophyte opponent.

“It will be his first pro fight so I expect him to be amateurish. From the first to six rounds, I will try to pressure him. It’s my first time to fight aboard and I will not waste this opportunity,” Trazo said.(CCM)