Despite suffering from a brutal second round knockout loss to Simson Butar Butar for vacant IBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title in Simpang Lima, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia last December 1, 2007, Negros-born Van ?Holyfield? Bantilan was given another chance to win a regional title when he battles Fahsai Kratingdaenggym for International Boxing Federation (IBF) Pan Pacific championship in Holland Beer Restaurant, Bangkok, Thailand on February 15.
Bantillan (7 wins 4 KOs, 1 loss), will be up against a dangerous Thai opponent who tots a record of 19 wins, 7 KOs, 1 loss, admitted his manager Chad Colocado who will accompany his ward to Bangkok on February 12.
?But Van is ready. After his defeat to Butar Butar, he learned so many lessons and he promised not to be careless again,? Colocado said in Hiligaynon.
Fahsai will be defending the IBF Pan Pacific belt for the third time since winning it on a second round stoppage over Abi Metiaman in March 23, 2007 in Nongkaem, Bangkok.
In his first defense in May 18, 2007, Fahsai pulverized Kirno Armase in the seventh round in Samutprakan. He successfully kept his crown with another amazing seventh round disposal of Filipino Roberto Dalisay in September 5, 2007 in Suanlum Night Bazar, Bangkok.
The Bangkok rumble will be Bantilan?s only second international stint after a disastrous assignment in Indonesia where he was decked with a picture-perfect left straight to the jaw to suffer his first knockout defeat as a pro.
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