Zulueta, Sittichai Make Weight for ABF 108 Battle in Thailand

By Carlos Costa

BANGKOK, Thailand — Pinoy fighter John Michael Zulueta (wearing red boxers), and fearless Thailand warrior Sittichai Nimnual successfully made weight in their first try at the scale, both men looking strong and disciplined ahead of their scheduled 10-round battle for the vacant Asia Boxing Federation (ABF) Light Flyweight (108 lbs) Belt Wednesday, September 28, at the luxurious SpacePlus Night Club in Bangkok, Thailand

Currently ranked as WBA # 14 in the minimumweight division (105 lbs), the serious and focused “Striker” from “The City of Smiles,” Bacolod City, steps up one weight class to light flyweights to exchanged heavy fire against the tough Sittichai, a former Muay Thai combatant.

In his assignment, the fully-dedicated 27-year-old Zulueta counts in his team with veteran men of boxing Joemarie Gamboa, a former world champ; also with Brico Santig of the Highland Boxing Team; as well as with the help and friendship of Highland teammates Bacoleño bantamweight Herlan Sixto Gomez (5-0, 2 KO’s) and Sorsogon-native Ador Torres, a Filipino boxer and MMA fighter.

Interestingly for fans, John Michael Zulueta aims at his 3rd consecutive knockout victory in Thailand, Land of Smiles, a very difficult undertaking, although not impossible to achieve for the fast & strong Hiligaynon warrior born in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

Zulueta’s two prior stoppage triumphs here in Thailand have been a round 5 TKO win over Indonesian Jack Amisa last May, and the quick and thrilling ravaging of Thai fighter Somphon Banyaem last August.

Will John Michael Zulueta succeed, conquering his third straight win in boxing-loving Thailand?

A Nod could get the world-ranked fighter from Bacolod with more possibilities of challenging for a world title next year. A defeat would be a disastrous.

Billed as “Fight of the Future,” John Michael Zulueta’s rumble September 28 at the starry SpacePlus Night Club is another production of award-winning Filipino promoter Brico Santig in association with Thai man of boxing Supanat Chanram and boxing-loving entrepreneur Tony Chen.

The hot fight show, which starts at 3:30 PM (local time), includes 7 more exciting clashes, plus several thrilling MAS FIGHTS brought man of action Sasan Ghosairi of SXS Super Export Shop.

Zulueta (on the left) of the Philippines vs Sittichai of Thailand: 10 Rounds for the ABF Light Flyweight Title. May the Best Man Win!

Photos by Carlos Costa

The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a veteran boxing reporter based in Asia. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.