Canto to fight in the US - Fightnews Asia

By LITO DELOS REYES

DAVAO CITY – Orthodox Roman “Hitman” Canto of Iloilo will fight against undefeated LaVonte “The World Class Gentleman” Earley of USA for the vacant American Boxing Federation Continental Americas welterweight title on March 20 at the Bowties and Boxing in Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

It will be the first time for Canto to fight in the USA.

“First time ko po ito, laban lang po tayo (This is my first time, let’s just fight),” said Canto.

The 31-year-old Canto has been fighting in Japan, Thailand and Australia already.

In fact, in his last fight, Canto went to Japan to face Shuya Masaki but he lost via 3rd round knockout last Nov. 2, 2019, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

Canto got a total of 14 wins with eight knockouts but suffered 13 losses and three draws. He is ranked no. 9 contenders in the super featherweight by Games and Amendments Board.

Canto is right now 144 lbs. and will be fighting for 140 lbs.

He doesn’t have a gym in the US and has only been practicing at the park. Canto arrived last March 6 at stays at the house of a friend Mary Ann Lagrimas,

His coach Kulba Rubillar, formerly from the Elorde Boxing Gym, will join him on March 17. They will be accompanied by American Laurence Anthony Canavan.

Canto promise to make a good performance in his debut against Earley.

“Pangarap ko talaga po maka laban sa America (I really dream of being able to fight against America)” said Canto.

Earley (20W-0L, 6KOs), on the other hand, won his last fight against Marqus Bates by a unanimous decision last Nov. 21, 2020, at The River Place in Fort Mill.

He earlier knockout Gustavo Molina for the vacant ABF USA welterweight title last Sept. 26, 2020, at Hillton Garden Inn in Rock Hill.

The boxing event is handled by South Carolina Athletic Commission with LaVonda Earley as the matchmaker.