MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fighter Warren Manbuanag is entering enemy territory to vie for the vacant WBC Youth super featherweight championship against undefeated prospect Eduardo Hernandez on June 11 in Mexico.
Manbuanag (10-5-2, 3 knockouts) is currently riding high on a 4-fight winning streak and recently captured the available Philippine super featherweight title by outpointing Arnel Baconaje via unanimous decision in April.
It marks the maiden overseas trip of the 22-year-old native of Santiago, Agusan del Norte, as he spent most of his 5-year professional run in the Philippines.
However, a tough test awaits Manbuanag as he locks horns with Hernandez, who owns an impressive record of 18-0-3 with 14 KOs.
In addition, Hernandez has never gone the distance since picking up a decision victory over compatriot Felipe Zuniga in August 2014 as he defeated his last 11 opponents by knockout.
The 19-year-old Mexican stalwart has not fought outside of Mexico since his prizefighting debut in March 2012, and winning the WBC Youth super featherweight title will open up new avenues for his young career.
The WBC Youth super featherweight strap was previously held by Pinoy pugilist Argie Toquero, who claimed the green-laced belt by knocking out ex-world title contender Kenichi Yamaguchi of Japan in May 2014.
Toquero defended the title once in October 2014 when he squared off with Takaya Kakutani, but the bout resulted into an anticlimactic spit draw.
Filipino boxer Jose Maxian also had the WBC Youth super featherweight title in his possession before when he thumped Thailand’s Thepsamuthr Duanaay Mukdahan in October 2011.
The 12-round encounter between Manbuanag and Hernandez is set to take place at the 5,250-seater Arena Coliseo in Mexico City. – Rappler.com