Rey “Hitman” Loreto and Powell “Destroyer” Balaba will face off over a scheduled eight rounds at the Makati Cinema Square Boxing Arena in Makati City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, this Saturday, August 13.

A Filipino, 25-year-old Loreto is an eight-year pro (22-13, 14 KOs) who won the vacant IBO World light flyweight title in February 2014 by knocking out Nkosinathi Joyi in the third. First-ranked by the WBA, the southpaw successfully defended his title against Joyi in a March 2015 rematch, winning by first-round TKO. Loreto last fought this April, stopping Koji Itagaki by fourth-round TKO. Despite his 13 losses, the Hitman has only been stopped once, knocked out in the second by Pai Pharob in March 2011.

His 27-year-old opponent, also a Filipino southpaw, is a nine-year ring vet (8-19-1, 5 KOs) who hasn’t won since November 2013, when he retired Vic Saludar in the fourth. He’s lost 10 in a row, most recently this May to Michael Landero, who won by third-round TKO.

Clearly a stay-busy fight for Loreto, who’s eager to challenge Knockout CP Freshmart for his WBA World minimumweight title. As Loreto is second-ranked by the WBC, that sanctioning body’s World light flyweight titlist, Ganigan Lopez, is another possible opponent.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.