CEBU - History unfolds today as the city of Talisay hosts its first ever double WBO regional championship billed as “Talisay Fight Night” at the city’s sports and cultural center. Showtime starts at 7 pm but the gate will be opened two hours earlier for the amateur bouts.
Undefeated KO artist Anthony “Ricky” Marcial will go up against Thai Thongthai Rajanondh in a 12-round war for the interim WBO Oriental super featherweight title in the main event of the slambang event presented by international promoter Sammy Gello-ani of SGG Sports Promotions in association Golden Dream Promotions, Viva Sports, Tanduay, Omega and the Talisay City Amateur Boxing Association (TACABA).
Marcial, who is bigger and taller than the Thai visitor, scored eight of his nine victories by knockout, with five coming in the first round. None of Marcial’s opponents lasted five rounds against him underscoring his sledge-hammer fifts.
Thongthai though can count on his vast experience in a bid to pull off a stunner. He carries a 17-8 win-loss record spiked with 4KOs.
In the other feature of the twin titular showdown, Jonreil Casimiro aims to become the first boxer from the Omega Boxing Gym of International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI) to snatch a title when he clashes with Thailand’s Liempetch Sor Veerapol for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight crown.
Casimiro is also unscathed in 10 pro fights, with half of his wins via stoppage. Veerapo can’t be taken lightly owing to his equally-impressive 10-3 record dotted with 7KOs.
The complete card features Rey Labao of the Las Vegas-based Dante Ortiz Stable vs. Darryl Pucdol of Rex “Wakee” Salud Stable, South Korean flyweight prospect Jonghwa Lee (7-0-1, 1KO) of SGG Stable vs.
Erwin Pulvera, junior flyweight Jheter Oliva of General Santos City vs. Jerome Buntog, and super bantamweight Richie Abapo of Talisay City against Brian Inihaw.
Tickets are reasonably priced at P200. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish. (THE FREEMAN)