Espinosa vows to knock out Mexican challenger Soto
Espinosa vows to knock out Mexican challenger Soto
MANILA (AFP): World Boxing Council featherweight champion
Luisito Espinosa of the Philippines vowed yesterday to knock out
challenger Cesar Soto in the fifth round here Saturday to make
him his third Mexican victim in seven months.
Soto, a 23-year-old brawler from Juarez, dished out his own
jab at a fight preview, saying he wants to finish off Espinosa
early to attend a celebration awaiting him in his hometown.
"When Soto goes into this fight, the first thing in his mind
is to finish it and go home early for the celebrations," said
Ramon Rodriguez, manager of the Mexican number one challenger.
But Espinosa, who displayed agile footwork and rapid-fire jabs
during a two-round sparring session for journalists, said he
wants victory for the hometown crowd, including special ringside
guest President Fidel Ramos.
A ring will be constructed at the seaside Rizal Park for the
fight billed as the Battle of Manila Bay.
"I am excited because the fight is being held here in the
Philippines," said Espinosa, who is expected to use his height
and reach advantage over the Mexican boxer. "I want our
countrymen to be happy, especially President Ramos. "
"Espinosa is a great champion. But I'm prepared to win the
title for Mexico," said Soto, who shadow boxed in front of
journalists but did not spar.
If the Filipino wins, Soto will be his third Mexican victim
since December 1995 when he wrested the championship belt from
Mexican Manuel Medina in Tokyo.
He successfully defended the title last March via a fourth-
round knockout of another Mexican challenger, Alejandro "Cobrita"
Gonzales, in Guadalajara.
Soto said he was not seeking vengeance for Espinosa's string
of Mexican victims, saying: "This is only sports. I will fight to
win but not for revenge."
Espinosa's father and trainer, Egmidio, said their strategy
would be to go for the jabs. "But the moment we see an opening,
we will unleash the bombs."
He said that Espinosa, 29-year-old father of one, must be wary
of Soto's vaunted hooks and body punches.