Ben Mananquil Defends WBO Asia Pacific 118 Against Kobayashi in Osaka, Japan

By Sanman Boxing

WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight Champion Ben Mananquil (17-3, 4 KO’s) will make his first title defense against Japanese challenger Yuki Strong Kobayashi (14-8, 8 KO’s) in Osaka, Japan, on May 26.

Mananquil claimed the WBO Title after beating another Japanese Tenta Kiyose (15-3-1, 7 KO’s) last February in Himeji, Japan.

The Filipino prospect Ben Mananquil, 27, have been training for Kobayashi, also 27, for more than a month.

“My training camp is intense. I shall be 100% ready by May 26. I am very positive that I will bring back the belt home. I have won the title on the road.

“I have no problem making my defense in the opponent’s turf. I am determined to remain champion and am aiming at a world title shot.”

For Sanman CFO Dexter Tan, “Ben is a road warrior and has no problem winning against opponents with home advantage. He needs this win and hopefully gun for the world title.”

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