HENO PREPARES FOR WBO WORLD TITLE CHALLENGE VS SOTO

​By Rene Bonsubre,Jr.

Filipino Edward Heno (14W-0L-5D,5KO’s) will get his shot at a world title on October 24 against WBO junior flyweight champion Elwin Soto (15W-1L, 11KO’s) of Mexico. Golden Boy Promotions made the official announcement that the fight will be held at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

The 26 years old Heno, a southpaw, is the number one ranked challenger. He was reported to be in line for a shot at the title as early as July but he told this writer that he has been training longer than that.

“I have been training for three months. But for the past week, I have shifted to heavy training.” Heno stated, “I have sparred with Giovani Escaner, Claudevan Sese, Giemel Magramo, Ben Ligas, and others.”

When asked about his chances, Heno was optimistic,“I know I can take him. I will do what it takes, I will do everything. He is just a man, he can be hurt. He is just like me, who dreams of becoming a champion.”

“I have not been relaxing during training. All of my fights have been tough but I always study my opponents, whether they were good or not.” Heno added.

Heno, who grew up in San Pedro, Laguna, had an unusual start to his career with three straight draws. His is inspired by his kids, “I get my strength from them. I think of them, I fight for their future.”

Heno is on hot streak starting from his first big win in 2017 against the Cris Ganoza, who was then undefeated, for the Philippine Boxing Federation light flyweight belt.  He knocked out Ganoza in nine rounds in Makati City. He would then have a draw and a 7th round TKO win in Okinawa against Seita Ogido which earned him the vacant OPBF light flyweight title.

Then in 2018, he had two big wins against fellow Filipinos, beating former world champ Merlito Sabillo by split decision and erstwhile world ranked Jessie Espinas by unanimous decision.

Heno returned to Japan this year to defend his OPBF crown and beat Koji Itagaki by unanimous verdict.

The champion Elwin Soto (15W-1L, 11KO’s) is a 22 year old right hander from Baja California, Mexico. He was a virtual unknown who had 13 of his 14 pro bouts in Mexico before winning the title in Indio, California last June against Puerto Rican Angel Acosta by KO in the 12th and final round. This was in the same venue where he will face Heno for his first defense.


Photo - Edward Heno

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