‘Thrilla in Davao’ set

Ron Johnson and Saul Farah will lead the powerhouse cast of boxers in today’s Thrilla in Davao weigh-in cum press conference at the Crevice Hotel.

With GAB officials presiding the 10 a.m. traditional rites, Davao Thrilla promoter Rey Rodis of RED Boxing Int’l said the winner in the fight would earn a shot at fighting newly minted WBO, WBA and IBF king Andy Ruiz.

The dinner cum boxing event by-invitation only is set tomorrow night (Saturday) at the Enderun tent, Azuela Cove, Lanang.

“Well, in boxing anything can happen,” said Rodis, referring to Ruiz’ shock knockout win over the highly favored defending titlist Anthony Joshua of UK.

“A unification bout with GBO may be possible even if my suggestion may sound remote,” added Rodis whose Los Angeles-based promotions agency led by son Rey “Cacoi” Rodis (President/CEO) is GBO’s partner in launching the initial event in the calendar of the GBO Asia Pacific Championship Boxing Caravan in the Philippines and Asia.

Johnson may have a slight ring rust owing to his nearly two years of inactivity but the man they call “The American Dream” shrugged off the insinuation.

“I’ve never felt better prepared than this one,” said the 5’10” orthodox boxer from Cleveland, Ohio who owns a 15-1-0, win-loss-draw record since turning pro in 2004.

Farah stands the same height as Johnson but is the more active as he had just secured the Bolivian heavyweight crown with a victory over Cesar Mamani in March 2019.