DACQUEL, KAWAGUCHI MAKE WEIGHT IN JAPAN

REIGNING Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight champion Rene “Commander” Dacquel of the Philippines and his Japanese challenger Shota Kawaguchi both made their weight today for their championship fight tomorrow (April 2) at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
Dacquel tipped the scales at 114.5 lbs. while Kawaguchi submitted 115 lbs. in the official weigh-in supervised by OPBF President Juan Ramon Guanzon.
“They are now both ready to fight tomorrow,” said Guanzon.
Dacquel has prepared for his second title defense at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet under trainer Joven “JJ” Jorda.
“Handang handa na si Dacquel na depensahan ang kanyang korona,” said Jorda.
The 26-year old Dacquel arrived in Japan last March 31 together with international matchmaker Brico Santig of Highland Promotions.
Dacquel (18-6-1, 6 Kos) is based in Japan and is managed by Ryota Kato.
The native from Manabo, Abra won the interim crown via a 9th round technical knockout win against Rathaphol Suwaonsoda last April 1 in Bacolod.
Dacquel retained it with a unanimous decision win over Japan’s Go Onaga last August 21 in Okinawa, Japan. Dacquel is also a former IBO International, WBC Youth World, Philippine and Luzproba super flyweight champion.
Kawaguchi, on the other hand, is toting 20-7-1, 8 Kos.
The 32-year old Japanese previously won the interim WBO Asia Pacific super flyweight title via a technical decision over Rakniran Muadransarakam last October 28 in Cagayan de Oro City.
Kawaguchi also beat Filipino Jonathan Francisco by a UD last April 29 in Osaka. But Kawaguchi twice bowed to another Filipino Sonny Boy Jaro in their successive encounter both held in Osaka in 2015.
The Dacquel-Kawaguchi title fight is promoted by Reason Promotions.