LORETO TO FIGHT IN BANGKOK AUG. 19

File photo shows international boxing trainer Joven “JJ” Jorda (extreme right) raising the hand of Rey “Singwancha” Loreto in a past world title-fight.

By LITO DELOS REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Former International Boxing Organization (IBO) World light flyweight champion Rey “Singwancha” Loreto of Davao City will now fight in Bangkok, Thailand on August 19.

Loreto, who failed to see action last Saturday night in the main event of “The Road to Glory” in Makati City after coming from sickbay, will fight for six rounds against a still unnamed Thai opponent.

Loreto arrived already last Tuesday to join his chief trainer Joven “JJ” Jorda at the BTU/Galaxy Gym, who arrived last Monday to also train former WBA world flyweight king Denkaosan and current PABA super bantamweight champion Nop.

“We need to activate Rey Loreto to keep his world ratings,” said Loreto’s manager Naris Singwancha in an interview earlier at the Makati Square Boxing Arena.

The 25-year old Loreto (22W-13L-0D-14 Kos) is presently ranked as the World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 1 mini flyweight contender and World Boxing Council (WBC) no. 2 junior flyweight contender.

He was supposed to fight Junuel “Artroboy” Lacar (7W-2L-3D) of Cagayan de Oro City last Saturday. Lacar instead had a 3-round sparring session with former two-time world champion Merlito Sabillo of Bacolod City.

“Hindi na namin pinilit ilaban si Rey noong Sabado kasi mahina pa talaga siya dahil galling pa sa sakit,” (We didn’t force Rey to fight last Saturday because he was still weak after coming from sickness) said Jorda in a chat message.

“Pero ngayon, OK na siya at mag-sisimula na kami mag ensayo ulit mamya sa gym,” (But now he is OK already and we will train again later at the gym) added Jorda.

Loreto, also known as “The Hitman” is hoping that he will be given a chance to challenge WBA miniflyweight champion Knockout CP Freshmart (13W-6Kos) of Thailand and WBC light flyweight champion Ganigan “El Maravilla” Lopez of Mexico (28W-6L-0D-17 Kos).