Umbal vows to stop unbeaten Chosen Wan in IBO title bout
Filipino Jeson Umbal vowed to knock out unbeaten Singaporean Muhammad Ridhwan when they slug it out for the vacant International Boxing Organization world featherweight title on April 20 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.
Umbal has won his last 16 straight bouts, including 11 KOs, while Ridhwan is unbeaten in nine fights with seven stoppages, guaranteeing a fierce showdown in the “Roar of Singapore IVThe Night of Champions” by Singapore-based promotion Ringstar.
“I was told that if it goes the distance, I may lose the fight. I was advised to knock him (Ridhawan) as early as I can, maybe in the first round,” said the 23-year-old Umbal, No. 51 in the world featherweight rankings, in yesterday’s training session at Kerry Sports in BGC, Taguig City.
Ridhwan, called “The Chosen Wan,” however, predicts a different result.
“He keeps on saying he will knock me out. But I’m not going to let him,” said the 30-year-old Ridhwan.
The winner will join the other IBO world champions that include world-renowned fighters like Anthony Joshua (heavyweight), Gennady Golovkin (middleweight) and Chris Eubank Jr. (super middleweight).
Interestingly, Ridhwan has tapped Filipino champion AJ Banal as sparring partner in his buildup against Umbal.
Ringstar founder Scott O’Farrell has also guaranteed a blockbuster fight card.
“I promise to you that the Ringstar brand will offer nothing less than exciting action,” said O’Farrell.