Raquinel to fight for WBO Intercontinental belt

By Lito delos Reyes

Former Orient and Pacific and Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight champion Jay “The Dreamer” Raquinel of Negros Occidental will fight in South Africa against undefeated Landi “Mandown” Ngxeke of Sada, Eastern Cape for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Intercontinental super flyweight title on October 8.

The 25-year-old Raquinel will leave on October 3 in Manila together with coach Alan Alegria, former Philippine welterweight champion.

Raquinel, who has 12 wins, 2 loses, 1 draw and 9 knockouts, is currently training at the MP Highland Boxing Gyn in Manila.

Among his sparring mates are Ronnie “Jong Jong” Baldonado (15-3-1, 9KOs) and Miel “Silent Assassin” Fajardo (9-1-2, 8KOs).

Raquinel, however, is confident that he can beat Ngxeke, who has nine wins, one draw and four knockouts despite

“It’s hard to speak because it might come back to me too. I’ll just do everything I can to win,” said Raquinel.

In his last fight, Raquinel lost the OPBF flyweight title to Giemel Magramo by a unanimous decision last October 23, 2021 at Elorde Sports Complex in Paranaque City.

Raquinel is also willing to have a rematch with Magramo.

“Because boxing is a business. If the purse is good, why not,” said Raquinel.

But Raquinel prefers to fight abroad because of the better purse than the Philippines.

“I was only forced to fight against Magramo because of necessity. Even if the preparation is ugly because of the pandemic,” said Raquinel.