Pinoy versus Pinoy

The fight is destined to happen, like it or not. Two Filipinos are in the race to the top of the World Boxing Council (WBC) superfeatherweight division – the same 130-pound class that was once ruled by Flash Elorde, Rene Barrientos, Ben Villaflor, and Rolando Navarrete. And they’re being paired off to eliminate the other.

Tiger Ari versus Randy Suico – a match that should be a local promoter’s dream but isn’t.

Filipino fans would rather see both Ari and Suico ascend the throne – not just one of them and certainly not at the other’s expense. After all, there are other world titles at stake, not just the WBC’s. The twist is no other governing body rates Ari and Suico in the top 10. Ari is ranked No. 4 and Suico No. 5 by the WBC.

But Suico’s manager Joe Koizumi says the fight is inevitable. Ari is the Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) superfeatherweight champion and Suico is the No. 1 contender. According to the OPBF rules, a champion is obliged to face the top contender in a mandatory defense once a year.

Ari’s deadline for a mandatory defense lapsed last November. However, OPBF president Frank Quill of Australia has extended the deadline to February.

Ari’s manager Gabriel (Bebot) Elorde says he’s cash-strapped. The floundering economy bled him dry last year. He lost a bundle in smokers that he promoted here. Elorde adds that he prefers Ari to face Suico in Tokyo where Koizumi is based – at least, his money won’t be at risk. But what mindless Japanese promoter will promote a fight involving two Filipinos in Japan?

The problem is if the fight doesn’t materialize, the OPBF will strip Ari of his title. It’s no secret that Ari has stockpiled a wad of dollars beating up challengers for at least a $20,000 purse apiece in Japan since recapturing the OPBF crown in 1999. He’s repulsed four Japanese challengers so far. The OPBF title is Ari’s meal ticket.

Elorde admits Ari’s not rushing a title shot because once he fights for the WBC diadem, a prerequisite is relinquishing the OPBF crown. Ari will be lucky to pocket about $15,000 if he challenges for the WBC throne.

Elorde says Ari’s willing to fight Suico anytime, anywhere for a $20,000 purse or P1 million. Koizumi isn’t biting – he, too, is worried about taking a bath in the box office. If worse comes to worst, Elorde will be forced to promote the fight, even at a loss, just to save Ari’s title.

Ari, 34, packs a 61-5-3 record, with 28 knockouts. He turned pro in 1984 and hasn’t lost since dropping a close decision to former world champion Samart Payakaroon in Bangkok in 1994. Ari has been unbeaten in his last 30 fights in the last seven years. That’s some streak. Ari is ripe for a world title shot – he deserves it.

Suico, 21, has a 16-0 mark, with 14 knockouts. Only Joe Escriber and Israel Melendez have survived the distance with the hard-hitting Suico. His last three fights ended in a total of only four rounds.

Suico’s trainer Juanito Ablaca insists Ari is no match. Ablaca predicts Suico to stop Ari even as he respects the OPBF champion’s guile and smarts. If the fight goes the full route, Ablaca admits Ari might win the decision but that’s assuming he’s still standing at the final bell.

Fight promoter Rod Nazario says Ari is too clever for Suico. Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Buboy Fernandez agrees, adding that Ari has the tools to outbox, outsmart, and outpunch the less experienced Suico.

The word is WBC superfeatherweight champion Floyd May weather is set to cede the throne and invade the lightweight division. That will mean a duel between No. 1 Sirimongkol Singmanasak of Thailand and No. 2 Kengo Nagashima of Japan for the vacant title with the winner to make his first defense against No. 3 Jesus Chavez of Mexico.

After the series of eliminations, the No. 4 contender – Ari at the moment – will enter the title picture. That’s why Suico is breathing heavily down Ari’s neck. Suico wants Ari’s spot in the ratings and Ari isn’t obliging.