PATINO FIGHTS TIBO FOR VACANT WBC LIGHT FLYWEIGHT INT'L SILVER TITLE IN JAKARTA

FILIPINO boxer Rene “Mr. Nice Guy” Patilano (15-2-3-7 KOs) will face undefeated Indonesian Tibo “Ilduce” Monabesa (14-0-1-7 KOs) for the vacant WBC International Silver light flyweight title on January 21 at the Cendrawasih Sports Hall in Jakarta.

Patilano of the Elorde Boxing Gym in Paranaque City is currently ranked no. 24 contender while Monabesa is 22^nd in the WBC rankings.

The 25-year old Patilano has only lost once since 2012. He last won by a unanimous decision against Jopher Marayan last Feb. 27 at the Elorde Sports Complex in Paranaque.

However, in his last fight, Patilano settled a technical draw with JC Francisco at the Elorde Sports Complex on Nov. 19. The fight was stopped due to a cut on Francisco’s right eyebrow caused by an accidental headbutt in the second round.

Before that, Patilano suffered a 6^th round knockout loss from WBC world light flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka in their non-title bout held in Nagoya, Japan.

Patilano also settled a technical draw with Randy Petalcorin in their battle for the PABA light flyweight title held Feb. 16, 2013 at PAGCOR Grand Theatre in Manila.

Monabesa, on the other hand, is coming off a victory against another Filipino Joel Taduran via a 6^th round TKO last September 2 at the Balai Sarbini Convention Hall in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Monabesa won the Indonesia Boxing Association (ATI/IBA) light flyweight title by points against Samuel Tehuayo last Jan. 25, 2015 at TVRI Studio in Jakarta.

“This is an intriguing fight between two very skilled boxers at the peak of their careers. It is a tough test for Monabesa, but one he will have to pass in order to show that he is ready for a world title bout. We would like to thank the WBC for this opportunity,” said matchmaker Mikko Marttinen in the WBC website.