LORETO, NIYOMTRONG MAKE WEIGHT FOR WBA WORLD TITLE FIGHT

CHONBURI, Thailand (July 14) – Filipino challenger Rey “Hitman” Loreto and defending champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong both made their weights today for their exciting championship fight for the WBA world minimumweight title tomorrow at 4 p.m. here.
Both tipped the scales at 105 lbs. infront of WBA supervisor Renzo Bagnariol, veteran referee Rafael Ramos and judges Ferlin Marsh of New Zealand, Ignacio Robles of Panama and Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan.
“Tama lang yung programa naming sa kanyang timbang,” said trainer Joven “JJ” Jorda of Highland Boxing Gym, who is being assisted by Nino Jalnaiz, Jayvee Alipio and Supanat Chanram.
Also present were promoter Virat Vachararathanawong of Petchyindee Boxing Promotion, international matchmaker-promoter Brico Santig of Highland Boxing Promotions and former WBC world flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul, who is the trainer of Niyomtrong.
“I am strong and ready to fight,” said Niyomtrong after the weigh-in.
Niyomtrong, also known as Knockout CP Freshmart immediately left the weigh-in room at the Chon Inter Hotel while Loreto stayed behind for a few minutes to eat a boiled egg and drink hot chocolate.
“Sa ring na kami magkita bukas. Ready na rin akong lumaban,” said Loreto,who is the mandatory challenger for being ranked as the no. 1 contender.
Loreto still waited at the room for his coaches, who were attending the rules’ meeting with the WBA officials.
“A three knockdown rule will be implemented,” said Bagnariol.
“You don’t have to worry because we have the best referee and judges of the WBA. They will give it to the best on the ring,” said Bagnariol.
Games and Amusements Board chairman Abraham Mitra and Commissioner Edward Trinidad and Fritz Gaston will also be watching the fight to give their full support to Team Loreto.
They also met the officials of the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand headed by its president Naris Singwancha to discuss measures on how to protect the safety of the boxers both from the Philippines and Thailand.

(photos by BRICO SANTIG)

(L to R) WBA Judges Ferlin Marsh of New Zealand, Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan and Ignacio Robles of Panama, referee Rafael Ramos of USA and supervisor Renzo Bagnariol of Nicaragua. (Photo by LITO DELOS REYES)

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