METUDA NOW READY TO RUMBLE IN RUSSIA

Rimar Metuda (left) with trainer Dondon Jimenea

By LITO DELOS REYES

MANILA, Philippines (Sept. 6) — Undefeated Rimar “Terminator” Metuda of Sanman Boxing Stable is now ready to rumble against Mirzhan Zhaksylykov of Kazakhstan for the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver super featherweight title on September 9 at the Traktor Sport Palace.

Metuda has already arrived in Chelyabinsk, Russia together with his trainer Dondon Jimenea last September 5 at 10 p.m. aboard the China Eastern Airlines via Guangzhou in China.

Metuda, who has a clean record of 10 straight wins with five knockouts is facing a substitute opponent Zhaksylykov, who had replaced his injured stablemate Mark Urbanux (9W-1L-0D).

Zhaksylykov is a former PABA featherweight title-holder. Zhaksylykov, however, lost in his last fight against Shavkat Rakhimov by a unanimous decision last February 27 in Russia.

“Okay lang si Metuda. Medyo napagod lang konte. Pero makaka-recover agad yun kasi three days pa bago ang laban,” said manager Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil, chief executive officer of Sanman Promotions.

Metuda won the vacant WBF Asia Pacific featherweight title via a 5th round technical knockout against Jason Tinampay last September 26 at the Gaisano Mall Atrium in Gensan.

The 22-year old southpaw from Cagayan de Oro City previously stopped Joel Hecotibo in the second round of a non-title fight held March 8 in T’boli, South Cotabato.

“I’m now very excited for my first international fight. I will do my best to bring home the title,” said Metuda.