Rising ALA star Haya joins Bantayan-Davao ring war

Sixty-three years ago, the Philippine Commonwealth liberation troops landed on the shores of Bantayan Island to ward off Japanese invaders.

Tomorrow, another force will land the island headed by rising ALA jewel Weng Haya to wage a friendly campaign of boxing against veteran fighter Ruben Santillanosa of Libak, Sultan Kudarat.

The action-packed card, aimed at bringing together the youth of the island into a boxing entertainment that hopes to ignite grassroots interest in the game, is set to start at 8 pm at the Bantayan Multi-Purpose Center.

Haya, the RP No. 13 super bantamweight contender, will wage his 11th fight against six-time championship contender Santillanosa, whose 25 career fights showcase a determined warrior who keeps on coming back against all odds.

In early March, Haya and a host of young ALA Gym pugilists reignited boxing frenzy in Mandaue City by winning over veteran Pedro Malco by unanimous decision.

Santillanosa, on the other hand, began his pro career on October 26, 2003 in a five-round TKO of fellow starter Frank Ombid in General Santos City, hometown of Pinoy icon Manny Pacquiao.

Santillanosa’s fifth Philippine fight ended in another stoppage of his opponent in the second round in 2004. Afterwhich, he turned his sights off the Philippine shores to seek greener pastures in Australia. And in the last four years,  he won16 of his 25 fights in the Land Down Under.

The equally-exiting undercardsl feature a ring war between warriors of Bantayan Island and Davao City.

Michael Otic of Madridejos (Bantayan Island) will take on Jaylo Merlin of Quimbao Stable (Davao City), Albert Villacampa of Hilotungan battles Samuel Capagngan (also of Quiambao Stable), and Yao Ming of Atop-Atop slugs it out with Mark Maguan.

As an added treat, the fight fans of the paradise Bantayan Island will have a glimpse of reigning WBO Youth super flyweight champion AJ “Bazooka” Banal, who will grace the slambang fisticuffs.

The event is presented by ALA Promotions in cooperation with Fighter Wine, Durabloom, Island Shipping Corporation, and the municipality of Bantayan through its boxing program director Chad Cañares.