Robert Paradero looking to be back in the ring on June 27th
Earlier today our good friend Ian Melodillar shared the news that Filipino world title contender Robert Paradero (18-1, 12) was reportedly set for a WBF world title fight in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, against local hopeful Thembelani Okolo (9-5-1, 5), on June 27th.
The bout would seen Okolo defending the WBF Minimumweight title, which he won in October 2019, when he stopped Ndikho Magadaza, for the first time. The "Guitarman" would be looking to score his most notable win to date, if he can over-come Paradero, and although his record might not be impressive on paper Okolo is no push over. In fact 2017 he gave former world champion Deejay Kriel a really tough test, losing by majority decision in Kriel's home province of Gauteng. Since then he has gone 2-2 (2) but has never been stopped, and will have very clear home advantage in Port Elizabeth.
As for Paradero the bout would be his first since losing in February to Vic Saludar in a bout for the WBA "regular" Minimumweight title. Although the WBF title isn't close to the standing of the WBA "regular" belt it would still be something for Paradero, who would be making his international debut, and getting some ring time with someone who could ask him some serious questions. At times Paradero has looked good but knowing that Filipino fighters rarely win decisions in South Africa we might see more urgency from him than we've seen at times.
The bout would seen Okolo defending the WBF Minimumweight title, which he won in October 2019, when he stopped Ndikho Magadaza, for the first time. The "Guitarman" would be looking to score his most notable win to date, if he can over-come Paradero, and although his record might not be impressive on paper Okolo is no push over. In fact 2017 he gave former world champion Deejay Kriel a really tough test, losing by majority decision in Kriel's home province of Gauteng. Since then he has gone 2-2 (2) but has never been stopped, and will have very clear home advantage in Port Elizabeth.
As for Paradero the bout would be his first since losing in February to Vic Saludar in a bout for the WBA "regular" Minimumweight title. Although the WBF title isn't close to the standing of the WBA "regular" belt it would still be something for Paradero, who would be making his international debut, and getting some ring time with someone who could ask him some serious questions. At times Paradero has looked good but knowing that Filipino fighters rarely win decisions in South Africa we might see more urgency from him than we've seen at times.
Robert Paradero vs Thembelani Okolo for WBF World 105 lbs. title reportedly set for June 27 at Port Elizabeth. SA
— Ian Melodillar (@iaknows) April 27, 2021