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

Mananquil vs Kobayashi for WBO Asia Pacific Belt 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.”