LORETO DEDICATES WORLD TITLE-FIGHT FOR MINDANAO

FORMER world champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto (right) with boxing patron Naris Singwangcha of Thailand. (Photo by BRICO SANTIG)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Former world champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto is dedicating his upcoming world title-fight to the people of Mindanao especially to those affected by the on-going crisis in Marawi City.
“Inaalay ko po ang laban kong ito sa mga kapwa ko Pinoy na naiipit ngayon sa gulo sa Marawi at siyempre sa lahat ng mga Pinoy sa buong mundo, Mindanao at Davao,” (I’m dedicating his fight to my fellow Filipinos who are affected by the problem in Marawi and of course to all Filipinos around the world, Mindanao and Davao) said Loreto, who is a native of Davao City.
Loreto, whose is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) World light flyweight champion, is challenging the undisputed World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong also known as Knockout CP Freshmart of Thailand on July 15 in Chonburi, Thailand.
“Naawa po talaga ako sa mga tao lalo na sa mga batang walang kamalay malay na nadadamay sa gulo ngayon. Sana po matatapos na agad at bumalik na ang katahimikan doon,” (I’m really pity the people especially the children who are affected by the crisis now) said Loreto, who used his savings to build a house for his parents in Davao.
Loreto, however, until now has not yet been paid of his P2 million purse in at South Africa for his title defense of his IBO world light flyweight crown in 2015.
The 26-year old is still training at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet with his trainer Joven “JJ” Jorda.
Loreto, whose mother is a native Bagobo, has been regularly running more than five kilometers in the uphill and downhill roads of Benguet to Baguio City. He has been sparring also with Jeronil Borres and Zulueta.
“Pinag-aralan na rin naming ni Coach JJ ang mga videos ng kalaban,” said Loreto (23 wins, 13 losses, 15 knockuts).
Niyomtrong , however, is still undefeated with 15 straight wins and seven knockouts.
Niyomtrong recently retained his title via a 5th round knockout against Go Odaira last March 1 in Chonburi, Thailand.
“Matibay yung kalaban ko. Basta gagawin ko lang lahat na makakaya ko sa taas ng ring,” (My opponent is solid. I will just do the best all I can on of the ring) said Loreto, who twice fought outside the country already for a world title in Montecarlo and South Africa.
He previously stopped another Thai boxer Rungrit Sor Visetkit in the 3rd round last August 19 in Bangkok.
Meanwhile, the Niyomtrong-Loreto championship fight already has two major sponsors – Charoen Pokphand Group and Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd.