By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
TOKYO — Balweg Bangoyan displayed a form of bravado that is rarely seen among Filipinos gunning for a world title shot on Thursday afternoon, something his handlers saw as a very good sign heading into the challenger’s crack at Toshiaki Nishioka’s World Boxing Council (WBC) super-bantamweight crown Friday night at the Nihon Budokan.
Even Bangoyan himself was undaunted by the ambiance that prevailed during the official weighin.
“That’s nothing,” said Bangoyan when asked about the feeling as he and Nishioka –flexing their muscles – came face-to-face for the benefit of the media.
Not content with the traditional pose for the camera, Bangoyan pulled off a stunt by putting his left fist on Nishioka’s chin which stunned the audience and brought a silly grin on the Japanese’s face.
Both fighters came in at the super-bantam limit of 122 lbs and as soon as the rites were over, Bangoyan and Nishioka were led away by their respective teams so they could replenish the lost energy.
Bangoyan also did a similar trick on Nishioka during the press conference a couple of days when he tapped the coveted WBC belt that Nishioka was holding as if telling his foe that his reign as champion is about to come to an end.
“I guess he is scared of me,” said the 23-year-old Bangoyan, a native of Davao del Sur who will be paid $20,000.
Zander Khan, Bangoyan’s chief handler, was amused and encouraged by the sight of his confident fighter.
“Balweg has no fear and that’s a good sign,” said the former jukebox king.
Wakee Salud, who arranged the title shot, was likewise pleased with what he saw.
“I have accompanied a lot of Filipinos abroad and Balweg is just like Manny Pacquiao. He always looks cool and confident,” said Salud.
Source: mb.com.ph
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