DUNO, GONZALES MAKE WEIGHT IN L.A.

WBC Asian Boxing Council super featherweight champion Romero “Ruthless” Duno of General Santos City and his undefeated opponent Christian “Chimpa” Gonzales both made their weight with identical 134.6 lbs. yesterday for their title fight for the vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental lightweight title at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA.

“I feel really good and excited. I’m ready for tomorrow,” said the Duno (12-1-0-11 KOs) in a text message.

Duno’s manager and Chief Finance Officer of Sanman Promotions Dexter “Wang Yu” Tan and Chief Executive Officer Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil are now also in the US to give moral support.

“We feel confident for Duno and he is in great shape,” said Tan.

Duno has been trained by former world champion Rodel Mayol at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.

“Gonzalez is a great fighter but he should not take Duno lightly. He has all the tools to make an upset. He has massive heart and a big punch,” said Manangquil.

The 5-foot-7 Duno was supposed to first fight against Lamonth Roach, who reportedly backed out after receiving reports of the Filipino’s punching power shown during his sparring sessions at the Wild Card Gym.

Duno captured the vacant WBC ABC super featherweight title by knocking out Thailand’s Paiboon Lorkham in the 2nd round last Sept. 10 in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Duno previously also stopped Gabby Simpo via a TKO in the 2nd round last Dec. 4 at the Robinson’s Mall Gensan.

Gonzales (16-0, 14 KOs) kayoed three of his four opponents last year. He stopped David Rodela of California only in the 1st round on March 4 at Belasco Theatre and later scored a unanimous decision to Filipino Jhon “The Disaster” Gemino in their 8-rounder bout held June 4 at the Stubhub Center in Carson, California.

The 21-year old Gonzales then scored two knockouts in his last two outings – Mexico’s Jonathan Corrales (2nd round) and Colombia’s Jonathan Perez (3rd round).