Mark Anthony Barriga is set to take on his biggest test to date as he vies for the vacant WBO International Minimumweight championship fight on Friday, September 29 in Beijing, China. Barriga’s coach and manager, Joven Jimenez informed Tiebreaker Times about the development.
According to Jimenez, the fight will be spearheaded by Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions in partnership with a Chinese promotion.
Entering just his second year as a professional, the former Olympian gets his first crack at a boxing title. Undefeated in six contests, Barriga will have a hands full against former world title challenger Samartlek Kokietgym.
Kokietgym (born Wittawas Basapean) will not only be the older but will also own the experience advantage heading to this fight as the 32-year old has fought some of the sport’s top fighters, such as Akira Yaegashi and Naoya Inoue.
Despite the tall task in front of him, Barriga expressed optimism for the fight, promising to make the most of the opportunity to bring home the title.
“Nagpapasalamat ako unang-una sa Panginoon na binigyan ako ng opportunity na lumaban sa ganito kalaking kompetisyon. Kanila Sir Joven na pinagkatiwalaan nila sa akin ang big fight na ito,” Barriga told Tiebreaker Times.
“Gagawin ko yung best ko para maipakita sa buong mundo ang kakayanan ko.”
