Mancio guns for OPBF crown Oct. 2 in Osaka

PHILIPPINE light flyweight champion Gerson Mancio of the ALA Gym will challenge unbeaten Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight champ Ryo Miyazaki of Japan on Oct. 2 in Osaka, Japan.

The 24-year-old Mancio survived two cuts in a 12-round ring war to beat erstwhile unbeaten Jason Canoy for the Philippine title in San Remegio, Cebu last May.

This will be Mancio’s first bout outside the Philippines. Mancio (13W-5L-3D, 5 KOs) was one of the sparring partners of Milan “Metodico” Melindo during the latter’s preparations for his WBO Intercontinental flyweight title bout against Francisco Rosas of Mexico in the main event of the Pinoy Pride 8: Philippines vs. Mexico card.

The 23-year-old Miyazaki (14W-0L-3D, 8 KOs) won the vacant OPBF title last June with a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Filipino Donny Mabao. This will be Miyazaki’s first defense of his crown.