FORMER International Boxing Organization light flyweight world champion Rey Loreto is set to get a crack at another world title.
This time, the Highland Boxing Gym fighter based in La Trinidad is set to challenge undisputed World Boxing Association (WBA) World minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong also known as Knockout CP Freshmart of Thailand according to a report by fightnewsasia.com.
The bout will take place on July 15 in Chonburi, Thailand after the WBA ordered Niyomtrong to defend his title and informed Thai promoter Panya Prachakorn and Loreto’s promoter Liu Gang, that they have 30 days, or until May 16, to negotiate terms before a purse bid would be ordered.
Highland Boxing Gym manager Brico Santig said Loreto is currently training in Manila and is expected to move their training to La Trinidad, Benguet later this month to refine their game plan against the Thai champion.
Loreto, with a record of 23 wins, and 13 loses is riding high on a seven-fight winning streak, which dates back to 2013 when he defeated Pornsawan Porpramook for the interim PABA light flyweight title, including a knockout of Nkosinathi Joyi in 2014 to win the vacant IBO world light flyweight champion.
Niyomtrong, was the first WBA minimumweight interim-champion and won the regular belt after defeating Nicaragua Byron Rojas, and has defended it twice.
The 26–year–old boxer also scored notable wins against Fapikat Twins Gym, KOji Itagaki and Rungrit Sor Visetkit all in 2016 via technical knockout.
Niyomtrong, on the other hand, boast of 15 wins, including seven knockouts, and has also held the WBC youth world minimumweight crown. (Roderick Osis)