Filipinos Zulueta, Gomez Ready for Action in Highland Show in Thailand

By Carlos Costa

BANGKOK, Kingdom of Thailand — Filipino fighters John Michael Zulueta and Herlan Gomez took part in the official weigh-in ceremony ahead of their respective Highland Promotions battles set for the evening of Wednesday, August 3, at the plush SPACEPLUS Night Club, RCA Plaza, in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.

The two undefeated young Pinoy boxers will have the chance to shine bright when they climb the ring to trade blows against tough Thai opponents.

Zulueta and Gómez will see action in supporting non-title 6-round bouts of the 10-fight Highland Boxing international show, the hottest event unfolding Wednesday in “The City of Angels,” Bangkok.

Unbeaten, former world-ranked Light Flyweight John Michael Zulueta (12-0-2, 6 KO’s) will have the mission to lock horns and overpower 25-year-old Thai fighter Somphon Banyaem (6-6, 6 KO’s) in a war in which the Bacolod-native puts his 14-fight undefeated record on the line.

Meanwhile, the hard-swinging Somphon Bantaem from Ubon Ratchathani in Northeastern Thailand gets into his rumble against Zulueta hot from scoring thrilling KO wins in his last three fights, wanting to ravage the Filipino next. Can he do it?

Will Zulueta, 26, be able to keep is record pristine by defeating the local fighter Somphon?

Zulueta needs the win to advance his boxing career. A defeat would be horrible at a moment when Zulueta’s managing team wants to get him back into the world rankings. Before covid, John Michael was in the rankings of the IBF and WBA.

Inactivity affected, of course. But he is now back in action!

The rumble will be Zulueta’s second rumble in Thailand after claiming a round 5 TKO win over Indonesian journeyman Jack Amisa last May.

But this new foe, Somphon, is far younger, stronger, faster and more determined than Jack Amisa was. Plus, Somphon is the home fighter.

The Zulueta vs Somphon clash will happen in the 108-lbs division, but can Zulueta pull off the win?

Or will the Thai warrior derail the career of the promising fighter born in Calatrava, Negros Occidental? Soon we’ll find out.

HERLAN GOMEZ AGAINST DANGEROUS THAI KO ARTIST

Meanwhile, kababayan Herlan Gómez (4-0, 2 KO’s) does not have it any easier either.

The native of Saravia in Negros Occidental fights Thailand’s undefeated slugger Sarawut Jiamthong (6-0, 6 KO’s) in a battle in which a blink could get the Filipino sleeping. Will that happen?

Gomez, 22, is in his second battle in Thailand following his win by points over Thai newcomer Parin Luangpon (2-1) last May in Bangkok.

In that fight Gómez dropped the Thai to the canvas, getting the additional points to end the rumble with a decision win.

However, Gomez’ this new foe, Sarawut, is absolutely a far superior fighter with more quality in his skills than the last opponent.

Even more worrisome is the fact that the Thailander Sarawut packs devastating dangerous power in his punches, a truth that Gómez will have to watch out for.

Gómez needs speed, skills, moves, smarts and power to dominated this Thai bantamweight lion coming forward, swinging dangerously at him.

The two brave Filipinos, Zulueta and Gómez are set for a truly exciting evening this coming Wednesday evening, Philboxing.com wishing them the best of luck.

The show, billed as “For Honor and Glory,” is promoted by Filipino award-winning promoter Brico Santig of Highland Boxing, in association with Thai enterprenaur Tony Chen of SPACEPLUS Night Club, and veteran Thai man of boxing Supanat Chanram.

Venue: SpacePlus Night Club at RCA Plaza in Bangkok, Thailand.

Total fights in the show: 10. Four are regional WBA Asia and ABF Title fights.

Best of luck to cool Bacoleños boys Zulueta and Gómez. May the Best Men Win!

The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a veteran boxing reporter. He will watch fights from ringside to report results. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and Whatsapp +639184538152.