14.07.06 – by Sean Ocampo: Underneath the big pay-per-view fight between Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas features an explosive fight between WBA Lightweight Champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz (29-0 14KOs) and Randy “Komong Bato” Suico. Both fighters have the tendency to make this fight another fight of the year candidate, considering their styles which are relentless and powerful. What are we expecting from both fighters leading up to this fight? I’ll give you guys a preview..
Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz is coming off a big win against Miguel Cotto’s brother Jose Miguel last April underneath another big pay-per-view event. He showed his usual form of being relentless against Cotto. The kid is practically living up to his moniker “Baby Bull” because of his bull-like approach to his opponents. Diaz also has tremendous handspeed complimenting his aggressiveness. That combination usually causes problems to fighters. Aside from the handspeed, Diaz also shows tremendous work to the body that usually debilitates his opponents. But the “Baby Bull” only has 14 knockouts in his record and often being the subject of criticism because of his inability to take his opponents out. Diaz is a volume puncher and only takes his opponents out when they accumulated a certain amount of punishment.
In the other hand, Randy “Komong Bato” Suico from the Philippines is virtually an unknown fighter in the United States. Suico is sporting a 24-2-0 record with 21 knockouts to his credit. He usually fights in Japan and only had 2 fights in the U.S. He’s currently holding a regional title (OPBF) which he won in 2003. He is also coming off a successful title defense in Japan against Ryuhei Sugita whom he annahilated for 4 rounds. The challenger is a counterpuncher that packs a massive punch in both fists.
It is not only Diaz who has been criticized by the public but also Suico. He has been on the hot seat since his defeat against Mzonke Fana of South Africa. Suico was able knock Fana down in the early rounds but unfortunately the two knockdowns were not enough to give him the win. Fana kept his composure and was able to stick with his game plan. He tattooed Suico with jabs and occasionally his right would get through. Suico became a stationary target for Fana. Another fight notable loss in Suico’s record was against former World Champion Javier “Chatito” Jauregui. The veteran was able to do what Fana was able to do against the hard hitting Suico. He also danced and threw effective combinations to the Filipino. Suico made a rally in the middle rounds but it’s just a little too late.
Going to this Saturday’s (Sunday here in Manila) match-up, I think it would be an all out war right from the get go considering both styles. People are expecting Diaz to steam roll the challenger and win in a convincing manner. But little that they know Suico is pretty capable of pulling an upset. Diaz shouldn’t overlook the challenger because Suico’s a hungry fighter and much importantly packs an explosive punch.
In order for the the Champion to win should be able to be utilize his speed advantage against the much slower challenger. He should be in and out with his combinations and also avoid Suico’s money punch which is the right hand. Diaz should use his relentless style to make Suico fight going backwards. The best game plan to use is the same game plan he used against Jose Miguel Cotto.
The Challenger’s chances in this fight are pretty slim but he has a chance. He should try to use his height and reach advantage against the much smaller Diaz and try to frustrate the Champion with his long jab. He should also try to be a little aggressive because of his power. Suico must also be able to make Diaz backpedal. He can’t afford to be victimized with Diaz’s relentless style.
This fight is big for both fighters. For Suico, this is career defining fight as he tries to follow the footsteps of his fellow Filipino Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. For Diaz, this fight is a catapult to bigger and greater fights (possibly a fight with Corrales).