IGOROT WARRIOR TO CHALLENGE OPBF CHAMP IN JAPAN

FORMER WBC International bantamweight champion Rex “Irogot Warrior” Wao of the Philippines will challenge reigning Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight champion Takahiro Yamamoto of Japan on July 20 at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.

“He is now getting ready for the fight with his trainer Joven Jorda in Benguet,” said manager Brico Santig of Highland Gym.

The 26-year old Wao, a native of Tadian, Mountain Province last won by a first round technical knockout against Mike Espanosa on March 3, 2015 at the Makati Cinema Square Boxing Arena in Makati City.

He previously fought but lost to Xian Qian Wei by a unanimous decision last November 3 at the EXPO Garden Hotel, Kunming, China for both the WBC Asian Boxing Council featherweight title and the WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council featherweight title.

Wao, who has 11 wins with 9 Kos against only 2 loses and no draw, won the vacant WBC International bantamweight crown by stopping Virden Rivera on June 25, 2014 in Mandaluyong City.

Yamamoto, on the other hand, has 17 wins, 4 loses with 14 Kos. He won the OPBF title in a rematch with Yu Kawaguchi via a 7^th round TKO on August 2 at the Prefectural Gym in Osaka.

He earlier lost by a split decision to Kawaguchi in their first championship fight.

Yamamoto retained the crown via a 2^nd round TKO victory over fellow Japanese Yuki Strong Kobayashi last December 31 in Osaka.

The 12-round championship fight is promoted by Kazunori Ioka of Ioka Promotions with matchmaker Takashi Aoshima. It will be under the supervision of the Japan Boxing Commission.