By Carlos Costa

MANILA, Philippines  --  Filipino 105-pounder Mark Anthony Barriga (8-0, 1 KO) of Davao del Norte will face the toughest opponent of his young fighting career as he collides with experienced former world title challenger Gabriel Mendoza (29-5-2, 23 KO's) of Colombia in a 12-rounder for the IBF mini flyweight (105 lbs) eliminator this coming Sunday May 13 at SM City North EDSA Skydome in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The clash is their golden chance to secure a shot at the world title as the winner becomes mandatory challenger to the IBF champion.

Right now, the IBF mini flyweight title is held by hard-hitting, undefeated 24 year-old Japanese Hiroto Kyoguchi (????) of Tokyo.

However, in boxing anything is possible, as Kyoguchi (9-0, 7 KO's) could lose his title in the coming weeks when the Nippon knockout artist puts his world title on the line against unbeaten young Filipino puncher Vince Paras (13-0, 11 KO's) of General Santos City this coming May 20 at Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

As such, the winner of the Kyoguchi-Paras world title clash will be required to defend against the victor of the Barriga-Mendoza eliminator.

The officials for the Barriga-Mendoza eliminator have already been named by the IBF headquarters in New Jersey.

The referee will be Gerard White of Palo Alto, Callifornia; Judges Arnie Najera of Cebu, Philippines, Zac Young of Los Angeles, California, and Jonathan Davis of Buena Park, California.    

The IBF Supervisor will be Fritz Gaston of the Philippines.

MORE FIGHTS

In addition to the Barriga vs Mendoza eliminator, eleven more bouts are scheduled to thrill fans.  

Some of the fighters seeing action are former world title challenger AJ "Bazooka" Banal (35-2-1, 23 KO's), world-ranked featherweight Genesis Servania (30-1, 13 KO's)  and former WBO World Champion "Marvelous" Marvin Sonsona (20-1-1, 15 KO's) among others.

The event is a production of Filipino promoter Joven Jimenez of Joven Sports Promotions in cooperation with ESPN 5 Philippines. The card will be broadcast live by ESPN 5 Philippines at 3 PM (Philippines Time).

The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a boxing judge and fight reporter based in Cebu, Philippines.   He will attend the Barriga-Mendoza IBF Eliminator Mayr 13 at SM Skydome in Quezon City, Metro Manila.  Carlos can be reached by email:  Carlos512@hotmail.com and by WhatsApp +639184538152.