Gasca eyes KO win in IBO title fight

CEBU, Philippines - The camp  of ALA Gym stalwart Roli 'Zuma' Gasca realized that he needs to score a convincing win as he gets another crack at the International Boxing Organization super bantamweight title, this time against South African knockout artist Lusanda Komanisi on December 15 at the Orient Theatre in East London, South Africa.

The 25-year-old Gasca already fought twice for the IBO title but both failed via unanimous decision. He first tasted defeat in the hands of Russian Alexander Bakhtin in Russia two years ago, before his recent setback against overweight South African Thabo Sonjica last September 8 also in South Africa.

ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor admitted that it is not easy to get the win in an opponent’s turf, but he is confident this time as Gasca trained hard for more than two months in preparation for this fight.

“Winning in an opponent’s territory is hard that is why he doubled his preparation for this one. He needs to dominate his opponent or score a knockout,” said Villamor. “Gasca is a veteran boxer and I see a great chance for him to capture the belt.”

The former Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation champion Gasca has a record of 22-6, spiked with five knockouts, while Komanisi has an impressive 16 knockouts in 17 wins with three defeats. — Lemuel P. Maglinte (FREEMAN)