Biñan-based champion to defend OPBF crown

MANILA, Philippines - Ardin Diale, a flashy fighter from Sarangani, is confident of defending his OPBF flyweight crown when he slugs it out with Japanese Daigo Higa at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo tomorrow.

“We really trained and prepared hard for this fight. We expect a tough fight but we’re confident,” said trainer and mentor Dino Olivetti.

This will be the second title defense of the 27-year-old Diale, one of the brightest protegees of the Olivetti Boxing Club of Biñan City.

But the Filipino fighter, managed by the United Boxing Gym in Tokyo, is expected to have his hands full against Higa, who boasts of nine victories, all via stoppages.

“We’re going all-out to keep the crown,” said Olivetti.