Astrolabio vs Nawaphon in WBC 118 Eliminator in Thailand

By Carlos Costa

BANGKOK, Thailand — Filipino Man of Steel Vincent “Asero” Astrolabio (18-4, 13 KO’s), can’t wait to get in the ring to battle experienced Thai warrior Nawaphon Kaikanha (58-2-1, 48 KO’s), in a crucial WBC Bantamweight Eliminator on Saturday, August 26, in the Kingdom of Thailand.

His excitement is because the winner for the 12-round war earns a direct shot at the WBC Bantamweight World Title.

At this very moment, the title is vacant.

But it will be disputed soon by the ever popular “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire (47-0, 28 KO’s), and Mexican Alexandro Santiago (27-3-5, 14 KO’s) on July 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

This means that the winner of ‘Donaire vs Santiago’ will clash against the winner of ‘Astrolabio vs Nawaphon,’ and who will the two winners be?

Will fans see ‘Donaire vs Astrolabio’ perhaps later on this year in another Filipino vs Filipino world title battle?

Or will fans have to see ‘Santiago vs Nawaphon,’ or Donaire vs Nawaphon? In boxing we never know, but what is your guess?

Notably, Astrolabio, 26 of Gensan in Mindanao’s Southern Philippines, and Nawaphon, 31, of Korat in Central-Eastern Thailand, are both former World Title Challengers, none of them giving up their dreams of becoming champions.

The ring-savvy Nawaphon challenged for the world title against Mexican Juan Hernandez Navarrete (37-4, 28 KO’s)) in 2017, being overpowered by the Aztec, and 5 years later Nawaphon tried again against Australian Jason Moloney (26-2, 19 KO’s), losing by unanimous decision.

Coincidentally, “Asero” Astrolabio, challenged Jason Moloney too, losing a very close majority decision. It was a hard-fought clash just last May in Stockton, California., a rumble that some fans still think that Astrolabio should have won. One of the judges saw it a draw.

Both men are world-class material, both glory-hungry, both with this golden chance of get a crack at the world champion. Who will it be?

Yes indeed, the total focus of Astrolabio and Nawaphon are now on the prestigious green & golden WBC Bantamweight World Crown, and who will get the right to fight for it?

Importantly, the Filipino warrior trains as we speak with beloved Filipino coach Nonoy Neri, while Nawaphon trains with the Nakonloung team of coaches.

‘Astrolabio vs Nawaphon’ on August 26 in Thailand is a production of veteran Thai promoter Surachart Pisitwuttinan, head of Nakonloung Promotions (NKL).

May the Best Man Win!