Delada challenges RP lightweight champ Montilla in 'Fight for Love' card tonight

Cebu-based Camiguin boxer Dexter Delada of RWS Stable challenges defending champion Fernando Montilla for the RP lightweight title, even as Eric Barcelona defends his RP super flyweight crown against veteran Celso Danggod ....

A brainchiled of North Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol, the dual RP championship is a fund-raising undertaking that aims to raise a substantial amount to be used for Luisito Espinosa's legal expenses.

"Pasensiya na kung may mga kaibigan tayong masasagasaan, pero kailangan nating gawin ito para sa isang dating kampiyon na nagbigay ng maraming karangalan sa bansa," said Piñol in yesterday's SCOOP sa Kamayan session in Padre Faura, Manila.

Piñol said tonight's boxing promotion will jumpstart their quest to help Espinosa finally nail an encouraging court decision the soonest possible time.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has contributed P50,000 for the promotion.

Fighting in the undercard are Mindanao young guns Dennis Juntillano, Rex Peñalosa, Tommy Terado, Edrin Dapudong and few other fighters, who are being backed by Piñol's comprehensive professional and amateur boxing program supervised by Cuban guru Honorato Espinoza.

Espinosa's protracted court case is currently being heard at the sala of Judge Rosario Cruz of the Manila Regional Trial Court.

The case involves Espinosa's unpaid fight purse of $150,000 after his sixth round TKO win over Carlos Rios of Argentina in defending his world featherweight crown on December 6, 1997 in Koronadal, South Cotabato. Until now, Espinosa hasn't received yet his purse.

Respondents to the eight-year lawsuit are former South Cotabato Governor Larry de Pedro, matchmaker Lito Mondejar and promoter Rod Nazario.

Filipino sports hero Manny Pacquiao will be doing his share by sponsoring the first 1,000 tickets worth 100 pesos each or a total of P100, 000.00.

Piñol hopes to raise around P500, 000 for the event, which he will then personally entrust to Espinosa during the governor's planned visit to the United States early next year.