Wenceslao relishes underdog status

Rodel Wenceslao relishes his underdog status once again as he faces World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 23 ranked light welterweight Al Rivera in a 10-rounder tomorrow night in Cuapang, Muntinlupa.

"This fight will be tough because the opponent is very skilled and has a good record. We are always the underdog. I told Wenceslao that our pro fighters are on on a losing streak. Hopefully this time we can end it," said Team Joeric head Joeric Calisang "I told him that if he wanted his rating to move up, he has to keep winning. He has to keep winning to get more offers and possibly earn a title shot."

The 24-year-old Wenceslao is looking to break a four-fight losing slump that started last year. After a win over Chinese Kun Wang in China, Wenceslao lost to Adones Cabalquinto twice, Adones Aguelo and unbeaten Japanese Hiroki Okada.

"He has to win it quickly and throw his power punches in the early rounds. That's why we have been working on his timing. We have to take our chances in that strategy because if we reach seven to 10 rounds it'll be hard because Wenceslao will lose gas. That has always been his problem," said Calisang.

Rivera is a former Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light welterweight champion. He fought for the WBC International belt and lost to Aik Shakhnazaryan by unanimous decision. He bounced back with a fourth round knockout of Rusmin Kie Raha.

Wenceslao has an ugly looking record of 11-15 four knockouts. He, however, has a tendency of scoring upsets like his win over Sonny Katiandagho, Anthony Marcial and Weng Haya. Rivera is 18-3 with 16 knockouts.