Filipino challenger JR Sollano arrived in East London, South Africa on Monday and said he was ready to battle tough Ali Funeka for his WBC International lightweight title on Sunday.
It will be Sollano?s second attempt to overcome a South African fighter in his own hometown. In his first fight in South Africa on December 9, 2005 Sollano lost by a fourth round knockout to Mzonke Fana the reigning IBF junior lightweight champion.
Shortly after his arrival in South Africa after a long and tiring flight from Manila, Sollano said the result would be different when he fights Funeka. The Filipino was quoted as saying ?I do not know much about Funeka but I know his only loss was against Fana who also beat me. So that makes our chances even.?
However, Funeka lost by a twelve round unanimous decision to Fana in a clash for the South African super featherweight title on July 12, 2002 and had Fana down in the opening round.
Sollano claimed his KO loss to Fana was due to problems making the 130 pound limit but now since he has moved up to the 135 pound lightweight division Sollano feels much stronger and more confident.
Funeka won the title with a second round knockout over Filipino Dexter Delada on May 27m 2006 and successfully defended the crown with a fourth round KO over Anthony Tshehla on October 7, 2006 dropping the challenger twice in the third round providing some idea of his punching power.
Since losing to Fana, Sollano has racked up four impressive stoppage victories and lost only once. In his last bout Sollano won the Philippine lightweight title with a fourth round knockout of Arnel Porras last August 4. Sollano has a record of 12-6 with 9 knockouts while Funeka has a record of 29-1-2 with 23 knockouts.
South African boxing writers believe the champion's height and reach advantage give him an edge in what is expected to be his last fight before Funeka challenges for a world title.
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