An interesting situation is developing ahead of next month’s WBA Asia title fight.
Filipino-New Zealand boxer Lemuel De Barbo had his BoxRec profile removed a few days ago and currently has no professional record listed on the platform. However, Fight Fax still lists him at 9-0.
De Barbo’s record has attracted criticism from some observers who point to long-standing concerns over mismatches and record-building opportunities in parts of the Thailand boxing scene. Others, however, would argue that carefully managed progression is nothing new in boxing and that prospects around the world are often developed through learning fights before stepping up in class.
That step up now comes in a big way.
Despite having no active BoxRec profile, De Barbo remains scheduled to challenge Japan’s Mugicha Nakagawa (32-11-4) for the WBA Asia title next month in what is comfortably the toughest assignment of his career.
Away from boxing, De Barbo works a forklift job in New Zealand and largely finances his own career, paying for training camps, travel and opportunities out of his own pocket while chasing a dream.
Whatever your view of his record or the wider debate surrounding boxing in Thailand, his biggest opportunity remains very much alive.
