Thad Mangalino
Fight night is always exciting; and 28 March had seen a great night for Filipino boxing in Melbourne. WBA#2 contender has become the number one contender when boxing referee Chris Anderson stopped the fight on the second round. The Thai opponent Ophat Niamprem received heavy blows from Randy and hit the canvas before the stoppage. At the post-fight interview, referee Anderson said to me that “Ophat was hurt from the blow and didn’t want to get up. When he did get up, he couldn’t continue for long… he was hurt, I had to stop it.”
Randy’s return to Melbourne was supported by a vocal group of Filipinos. Randy’s fan base had grown and there has been a strong support from the community. The crowd was chanting and yelling instructions in Filipino, “Mabuhay ka Randy…” “Suntokin mo sa katawan!” It felt like the fight was back home. I remember at the previous bout when there was only a handful of Filipinos in the crowd, and now people were waiting in line to get pictures with the champion. A few of the fans were in awe of Randy’s speed and power. One gentleman who was at the previous bout said “Lalong bumilis si Randy ngayon. Galing ng improvement niya.”
During the pre-fight preparations, Randy was relaxed and knew his objective. Randy shared with me how he is well prepared for this bout, and how he is confident in dominating his opponent. This bout is a rematch for Petalcorin as Niamprem was the previous opponent, and remembering the previous fight; Niamprem lost.
WBC Asia Promoter of the Year Mr. Peter Maniatis stated “Randy is ready for a world title fight. He has the talent and attributes to make it in not only in this weight division but also other weight classes.” The next bout will be around June 2014, until then Randy will relax, play some basketball and re-focus on his next fight.
The bout was held at the Malvern Town Hall.
To view more photos, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152337935876178.1073741881.171235621177&type=3&uploaded=39
