Pacquiao back in Cebu today to grace ‘Kadaugan’ slugfest

Three-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is back in Cebu today to grace his boxing promotion billed as “Kadaugan sa Mactan” starting at 7 pm at the Lapu-Lapu City Auditorium.

Pacquiao, the reigning WBC and Ring Magazine super featherweight champion, will be joined at the ringside by a host of luminaries that include former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, event co-presentor Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza and WBO bantamweight titlist Gerry “Fearless” Peñalosa.

WBC No.7 lighweight contender Randy “Kumong Bato” Suico will headline the slambang show bankrolled by Pacquiao’s MP Promotions in association with Solar Sports as he clashes with Thai Sornkom Jockeygym in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

This will be Suico’s first ring appearance in eight months. He stopped Japanese Koji Samejima in round eight to retain his OPBF lightweight crown during his last fight on August 25, 2007 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

In the equally-explosive supporting main event, RP super flyweight champion Eden Sonsona (14-3, 3KOs) of General Santos City will put his throne on the line against mandatory challenger Richard Olisa (10-8-4, 7KOs) of Manila.

Sonsona will make the second defense of the RP belt he wrested by beating Robert Allanic of the ALA Stable via sixth round technical decision on December 9, 2006 at the Ynares Plaza in Binangonan, Rizal.

In his previous bout, Sonsona vied for the IBO bantamweight title but lost by retirement in round eight to South African champion Silence Mabuza last February 2 at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng, SA.

Olisa, on the other hand, is undefeated in his last four fights, but settled for a draw with Danilo the last time fought on November 14 last year at the SM Mall of Asia.

Also worth watching for is the match that pits former PABA light flyweight crown-holder Marvin “Leyte Bomber” Tampus against Allan Rañada of Jagna, Bohol .

The rest of the card features Darrel Pucdol vs. Dante Contiga, John Reil Casimero vs. Darryl Amuncio, Daniel Ponce Villacura vs. Esrael Sapo, Jayson Siaton vs. John Mark Ranan, Rodulfo Sumabong vs. Tantan Recablanca, Tata Tadena vs. Emelio Ervas, and Adonis Aguelo vs. Jose Ocampo.

After tonight’s slugfest, Pacquiao will stay for a few more days in Cebu as he is set to play the role of Datu Lapu-Lapu in the keenly-awaited re-enactment of the historic “Kadaugan sa Mactan” on April 27. His beloved half Jinkee will act as Lapu-Lapu’s wife Princess Bulakna, while actor-model Dennis Trillo will play the role of Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan.

Pacquiao is set to leave for the United States before the month ends to start training for his upcoming fight against WBC lightweight champion David Diaz on June 28 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.