Raquinel to defend OPBF flyweight title Aug. 23

DAVAO CITY — Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight champion Jayr “The Dreamer” Raquinel of Negros Occidental will defend again his title against Takuya Kogawa of Japan on Aug. 23 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.The 22-year old Racquinel (10W-1L-1D, 7KO) took away the OPBF flyweight title from Keisuke Nakayama of Japan by a 9th round knockout last March 13, 2018 in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.He then retained the title by knocking out another Japanese Shun Kosaka in the 4th round last May 27, 2018 in Wakayama, Japan.Racquinel, however, lost to Chinese Wulan Tuolehazi by a unanimous decision in the vacant World Boxing Council Silver flyweight title last Sept. 28 in China.Kogawa, on the other hand, has 30 wins with 13 knockouts against 5 defeats and 1 draw. The 34-year old orthodox fighter settled a split decision against compatriot Hideyuki Watanabe in Korakuen Hall last May 8, 2019.Meanwhile, Alphoe “Wolverine” Dagayloan (13W-2L-5D, 5KO) of Dipolog City will face Japan’s Ryota Yamauchi (4W-1L-0D, 4KO) in the under card. (Lito delos Reyes)