2 Filipino boxers out to end 2019 with a bang

MANILA, Philippines—Two Filipino boxers are looking to end 2019 on a positive note as they vie for regional titles on New Year’s Eve in Japan.

Rey Loreto and Jhunriel Ramonal are set to take on Japanese foes Ginjiro Sigeoka and Yusaku Kuga, respectively, at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.

Loreto (25-14), a seasoned veteran of nearly 11 years, faces Shigeoka (4-0) for the WBO Asia Pacific minimum weight title.

The 29-year-old Loreto is no stranger to title fights. His last bout for a strap was for the WBA World minimum weight championship but lost that fight to Thammanoon Niyomtrong in 2017.

Loreto was also a World champion before having won the IBO World light flyweight championship against Nkosinathi Joyi in 2015.

The IBO, however, is not considered as one of the major sanctioning bodies in the world as that distinction belongs to the WBC, IBF, WBA, and WBO.

Ramonal, meanwhile, matches up against Kuga for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight title.

This will be Ramonal’s second fight for a strap under a major sanctioning body since losing to Alejandro Sanabria for the WBC silver lightweight title in 2012.