All-Pinoy showdown in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines - It will be an all-Filipino battle in ALA Promotion’s Best of Boxing-1 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex tomorrow after the two-time world champion Katsunari Takayama of Japan had been pulled off due to injury.

 Takayama who was supposed to face Jayson Rotoni of Metro Manila will be tackling Arnel Tadena of Tagbilaran City instead.

“Though it’s not really serious, not a major injury, but still we have to pull him out due to the time frame. We don’t want to aggravate his injury,” ALA Promotion’s Michael Aldeguer said during the event’s press conference at the Nook of the City Sports Club yesterday.

While jogging in Talamban as part of his preparation for his first battle outside Japan, Takayama slipped and injured his right wrist while tying to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

It was such a frustrating incident, but Takayama’s manager, Ken Matsumoto looks into the brighter side and is just so thankful for boxing patron Antonio Aldeguer, Michael Aldeguer and the rest of the ALA staff for taking care of his ward and looking for another fight for the Japanese fighter.

Negotiations for Takayama ‘s possible fight for an IBF eliminator on August 27 in South Africa will still push through even as he won’t be fighting this Saturday.

“We feel very sad with the incident, but we have to thank Antonio Aldeguer, Michael, Dennis (Cañete) and all of the ALA staff for everything they did and for giving as another chance to fight,” said Matsumoto.

On the other hand, even such short notice, Tadena accepted the challenge to face Rotoni, a fighter who holds 10 wins, six of which by way of knock out along with five losses and a draw.

Michael Aldeguer said, Tadena is in top shape as he is also preparing for a future fight even before this opportunity came in.

The rest of the bouts set earlier will go on as scheduled with Larry “Bon Jovi” Canillas tackling Dexter Mendoza also of Metro Manila.

Jojo “The Flash” Intor will face Mark Jesson Taroja, a bell to bell fighter in a six-round action. Barili’s Rolito Gasca who lost in his return to the country after his stint in Hawaii hopes to bounce back when he meets T. Dacer Stable of Davao’s Jessie Albaracin.

Another Davao bet, Elbert Guardario will take on Kalibo, Aklan’s Marjhun Makahilig.

Three other boxers will also be having their professional debuts.

Bantayan Island’s Jamjam Ungon will take on another first-timer in the pro ranks, Joy Pol of Dagohoy, Bohol.

Another Bol-non, Carlito Solante meets Cebu’s Jicky Gaco who will be fighting his second bout as a pro.

As an added treat to the Cebuanos, ALA Promotions has decided to make the general admission area free of charge.

For those who want to be in the VIP section on Saturday, however, will have to pay P500 while ringside is pegged at P300 and P150 for the lower box area. (FREEMAN NEWS)