DIALE, CHALLENGER MAKE WEIGHT

Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight champion Ardin “The Jackal” Diale (right) of the Philippines and his Japanese challenger Daigo Higa after their weigh-in. (Photo by BRICO SANTIG)

By LITO DELOS REYES

REIGNING Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight champion Ardin “The Jackal” Diale of the Philippines and his Japanese challenger Daigo Higa both made their weight today (July 1) at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Diale submitted 111 lbs. while Higa made 111.5 lbs. for their 12-round championship fight tomorrow at the same venue.

“Gagawin ko ang lahat upang manatiling kampeon pa rin bukas,” said Diale, who has a record of 31 wins with 15 knockouts against 9 loses and 3 draws.

Higa, however, is still unbeaten with nine straight wins all by knockouts.

Higa captured the vacant WBC Youth world flyweight title by knocking out then undefeated Jakkrawut Majoogoen (14-0) in the seventh round last July 24, 2015 at the Siam Paradise Entertainment Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.

Higa successfully defended it via 10th round TKO win over another Filipino challenger Renren Tesorio last November 7 in Tokyo

The 27-year old Diale, a native of Malungon, Sarangani Province, won the vacant OPBF crown by a unanimous decision win over Renoel Pael last December 2 in Mandaluyong City.

He recently retained it by a UD victory against Jonathan Francisco last February 20 at the Taguig Sports Complex in Taguig City.

Diale is also a former IBF Pan Pacific Youth flyweight, WBO Oriental flyweight and Philippine flyweight champion.

The 20-year old Higa is currently the WBC Youth World flyweight champion. Higa retained his crown in his second title-defense via a second round technical knockout win against Filipino challenger Romel Oliveros last March 5 at the Korakuen Hall.