VINCENT Astrolabio had overcome adversities in the past- and he’s confident he’ll be able to overcome his toughest test now staring him straight in the eyes.
The Filipino challenger comes in as an overwhelming underdog against Japanese champion Junto Nakatani when they fight over the WBC bantamweight crown Saturday night at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
It will be the second shot at a world title for the 27-year-old fighter called ‘Asero.’
He lost his first crack at a championship by majority decision against Jason Moloney for the WBO bantamweight crown in Stockton, California last year.
But this time will be even tougher, as Astrolabio will be up against an opponent who is undefeated in 27 fights – 20 of which came by knockouts – right in front of a hostile crowd.
Still, the Filipino challenger fighting out of MP Promotions likes his chances of pulling off an upset and shocking the world.
“I’ve done 180 sparring sessions,” Astrolabio disclosed Friday shortly after the official weigh-in held at the Dame Hotel.
“I’m ready, I’ve come here in Japan to win the belt.”
Photo: Wendell Alinea
Astrolabio came in at 117.5 lbs. while Nakatani was at 117.2 lbs.
Asero's eyes on the prize
During the traditional face-off that preceded the weigh-in, Astrolabio kept pointing to Nakatani's belt, claiming he will be its owner at the end of their bout. His act brought a huge smile to the face of the Japanese champion.
A native of General Santos City, Astrolabio is trained by Nonoy Neri. He hopes to join WBO mini-flyweight champion Melvin Jerusalem among the country’s current world champions.
The Japanese champion will stake his WBC belt for the very first time since wresting it away from Alexandro Santiago of Mexico last February via a sixth-round TKO.
“I’m in good shape and wish to show my best performance,” said Nakatani.
While the champion southpaw is just making the first defense of his 118-lbs belt, he is already a three-division world champion, having previously reigned as flyweight and super-flyweight.
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