A quick look at Filipino boxer Robert Inggo Paradero’s record frightened the handlers of Thembani ‘Guitarman’ Okolo from Motherwell in Gqeberha.
Paradero, a former world title contender, has 18 wins with 12 stoppages and a loss compared to Okolo’s nine wins with five knockouts, five losses and a draw.
The fact that Paradero last fought in February this year made pitting him against Okolo, who has not fought since his win over Ndikho Magadaza in October 2019, sounds like a very bad idea. And Okolo’s handlers decided to look for another opponent.
Okolo is now set to fight against World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental minimumweight champion Clyde Azarcon from the Philippines in Gqeberha on Saturday, 27 June. This is going to be a WBF minimumweight title fight. Azarcon has registered 17 victories with six knockouts, three defeats and a draw.
“As a group we looked at Paradero’s record and we feared that he’s more experienced compared to Okolo. He has also been active. As such, we decided to get another opponent for Okolo. All trainers here are going to work with Okolo in his preparations for the fight,” Nyusa Boxing Promotions boss Mbulelo Mfama said.
Paradero lost to his compatriot Victorio Saludar in a vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight title fight at the Binan Football Stadium in Binan City in the Philippines in February.
Meanwhile, Mfama has dismissed a report which appeared on Asian Fight Scene claiming that they opted for Azarcon after they failed to agree on a purse with Paradero.
“We had agreed on the purse with Paradero. We are still going to give him a chance to face Okolo after this fight,” Mfama said.
