By Nick Giongco
Filipino world title challenger Ernesto Saulong is ready to shock the world on March 1 in Tokyo.
“Handang-handa na,” declared Saulong’s lead trainer Joven Jimenez yesterday from Magallanes, Cavite, where the Mindoro puncher has been training the last six weeks.
Saulong challenges International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight defending champion Ryosuke Iwasa at the Kokugikan Sumo Arena and the Japanese is heavily favored to keep the 122-lb throne.
Jimenez, who calls the shots in Jerwin Ancajas’s corner, added that Saulong is in tip-top shape for the scheduled 12-rounder.
“Maganda ang kundisyon,” said Jimenez, who leaves with the fighter and fight manager, engineer-businessman Ariel Araja, on Feb. 25.
Araja admits Saulong has to force Iwasa to trade at close range to enhance his chances of scoring an upset.
“That’s our gameplan,” said the Laguna-based Araja.
