Highland Boxing Gym’s Adrian Lerasan became a two-division regional champion after capturing the vacant World Boxing Council-Asian Boxing Council continental super flyweight title in Bangkok, Thailand on Oct. 2.
The 22-year-old Lerasan of Antipolo, Rizal knocked out Suradech Ruhasiri of Thailand in the fifth round to clinch the title before a roaring small Filipino contingent in the ring side.
Lerasan first connected two solid body shots that forced his opponent to lower his guard before he connected with a solid right on the face of Thai boxer for a mandatory eight count.
Ruhasiri managed to continue the fight but Lerasan again connected with a right uppercut then a right hook followed by two consecutive left that eventually floored his opponent.
It was only last March when Lerasan, who strikes a southpaw stance, captured the World Boxing Association Asia super flyweight belt with a technical KO of the previously undefeated Tanes Ongjunta of Thailand.
Earlier this year, Lerasan was training at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet before he traveled to Bangkok in April.
Lerasan, who improved his record to 10 wins against four losses, was supposed to challenge WBC-ABC flyweight champion Thananchi Charunphak but the fight did not push through due to the rising Covid-19 cases in the capital city.
He opted to stay in Bangkok where he was trained by Thai Supanat Charm of Highland Bangkok Gym, who is the brother-in-law of promoter Brico Santig. He was also trained by Highland Boxing Gym’s long-time trainer and coach Joven Jorda during his stay in Bangkok. – Harley F. Palangchao
