LORETO TO CHALLENGE WBA WORLD CHAMP ON JULY 15 IN THAILAND

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Former world champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto of the Philippines who until now after two years has not yet been paid of his P2 million purse in South Africa, will again finally be fighting for the world title on July 15 in Chonburi, Thailand.
This time, Loreto will be challenging the undisputed World Boxing Association (WBA) World minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong also known as Knockout CP Freshmart of Thailand.
This was confirmed by Loreto’s manager Brico Santig of Highland International Boxing Promotions.
“Ito na iyong hinihintay niya na pagkakataon kahit na hindi pa siya nababayaran sa laban niya sa South Africa. Hindi siya sumuko bagkos nag pursige pa siya ngayon upang mabigyan ang malaking break para lumaban sa mandatory world championship,” (This is what he has been waiting for despite what happened in South Africa which he was not paid (until now). He did not quit and instead strive more to get a break to fight for a mandatory world championship) said Santig in a phone interview by Fight News Asia.
The 26-year old Loreto, a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) light flyweight champion has been training already at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet since last month with his trainer Joven “JJ” Jorda.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako ng malaki sa Diyos at sa aking manager na hindi tumigil sa pagtulong sa akin at pag suporta,” (Thank you very much to God and my manager who has not stop helping and supporting me) said Loreto in a chat message on Facebook.
“Inaalay ko po ang laban na ito sa pamilya ko at sa buong sambayanan Pilipino,” (I am offering this fight to my family and to all the Filipinos) said Loreto, who plans to make a courtesy call with President Rody Duterte before going to Thailand.
WBA championship chairman George Martinez earlier made the mandatory on the undefeated Niyomtrong (15-0, 7 KOs) to defend his crown against the no. 1 contender Loreto (23-13-0, 15 KOs).
Santig had earlier wanted to stage the championship fight at Loreto’s hometown in Davao City but Thailand promoters had decided to hold it in Thailand due to the on-going Martial law in Mindanao.
The two major sponsors of the title fight are Charoen Pokphand Group and Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd.
Niyomtrong’s last mandatory bout was on June 29, 2016 and his next obligatory championship bout is past due from March 28, 2017. He recently retained his title via a 5th round knockout against Go Odaira last March 1 in Chonburi, Thailand.
Loreto has twice fought outside the country already for a world title in Montecarlo and South Africa.
He previously stopped another Thai boxer Rungrit Sor Visetkit in the 3rd round last August 19 in Bangkok.
“I will not take my opponent lightly because he has the quickness and power. I will study his style,” said Loreto.