MANILA, Philippines—Saying he has the advantage in speed and packs the heavier punches, Filipino world title challenger Denver Cuello is confident he can knockout former world champion Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia when they clash Saturday night at the Mindanao State University Gym in Iligan City, in Mindanao.
Cuello, who hails from Cabatuan, Iloilo, is putting his World Boxing Council International minimumweight belt on the line against the Indonesian veteran, who has never been knocked out in his 17-year career.
“I have the edge in speed and I think I’m stronger than him,” Cuello (21-4-5, 12 KOs).
“My dream is to become a world champion and my fight against Rachman is very important in achieving my goal.”
Both Rachman and Cuello easily made the 105 lb limit of during the official weigh-in held yesterday at the Gaisano Mall.
The 38-year-old Rachman has a record of 62-8-5 that includes 31 knockouts.
The Indonesian is coming off back-to-back losses, including a narrow decision to WBC champ Oleydong Sithsamerchai of Thailand.
The 12-round title bout as well as choice undercards will be shown tomorrow morning on GMA-7 starting at 10 a.m.
“Denver needs to look really impressive to get a crack at the world title and he can only do that if he stops Rachman,” said manager Aljoe Jaro of Cuello, who is coming off a fourth-round TKO of Arnold Tadena last Aug. 1.
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