MANILA, Philippines -- Thai challenger Wandee Singwancha will try to cut Silvester Lopez “down to size” when he challenges the Filipino for his World Boxing Council (WBC) international super flyweight crown at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City on Saturday.

While giving away at least 4 inches to the 5-foot-6 Filipino champ, “Wandee (Singwancha) actually likes to fight taller fighters,” said Canadian assistant trainer David Trehanne, who acted as the Thai’s interpreter. “He is comfortable fighting them.”

Singwancha arrived together with Trehanne, Thai trainer Phinit Iamthuan and veteran Thai international matchmaker Narong Hengtrakul Monday night.

He and Lopez headline the “Bakbakan sa Elorde” card promoted by Elorde International Productions and supported by Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr., Burlington socks and Ginebra San Miguel.

Trehanne disclosed that they have not seen any tape of Lopez, so they are unaware of the rangy Filipino boxer’s fighting style.

“But with Wandee’s long experience, we come prepared for anything to win,” he said, referring to his 30-year-old ward’s record of 62 wins (14 KOs ), 11 losses and 1 draw.

After losing in May last year to Marvin Sonsona, who knocked him out in the 2nd round to bag the then vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title, Singwancha has bounced back by winning 6 fights in a row, including 3 against Filipino foes Brix Ray, Joel Rafols and Edwin Tumbaga.

“This is why Singwancha is confident in beating Lopez,” Trehanne said.

Trehanne owns a resort hotel south of the Thai capital of Bangkok but dabbles as a trainer.

Having the 44-year-old Canadian in his corner is also an added boost for the Thai pug since he also trained Singwangcha when he beat Juanito Rubillar by unanimous decision to bag the WBC interim lightweight crown in Bangkok 4 years ago.

“We hooked up again after he lost to Sonsona,” Trehanne said.

In fact, the bespectacled Hengtrakul, a lawyer by profession but who has been arranging fights for the last 28 years, likes his compatriot’s chances, saying “this (Lopez-Singwancha) will be a good fight.”

“Our boy has already fought (former WBC super flyweight kingpin) Vic Darchinyan, and I believe Sonsona is a better boxer than Lopez," Hengrakul said.

“This is why (promoter) Bebot Elorde is a bit worried about our boy. Singwangcha will give Lopez a true test.”

No less than a shot the regular WBC title vacated by Darchinyan, who has since moved up to a higher weight division, is in store for the winner of the highly-anticipated clash.

Hengtrakul added that Singwancha is not worried about fighting in front of a hometown crowd “since the pressure is on your local boxer and not him.”

Also lined up in the triple main event is the bout featuring Thai WBC international flyweight champion Sooksan Chaichan
Sangmuangloei, who puts his title on the line against Filipino Rey Bito, a former WBO Asia-Pacific champion.

Ex-amateur standout Warlito Parrenas and Jonathan Tacuning will slug it out for the WBC international light flyweight title, completing the troika of top fights scheduled this weekend.