Philippines vs. The World: Protagonists ready to rock

CEBU, Philippines - Prepared and proud to represent Mexico and show local fans what Mexican boxing is all about. This was the pre-fight boast of Alejandro Barrera and Pipino Cuevas, Jr. the two Mexican boxers with rich boxing pedigree who will strut their stuff on Saturday at “Philippines vs. the World,” at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Barrera faces off against Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista of the ALA Boxing Gym in the main event of the fight card put up by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, while Cuevas goes up against Jimrex Jaca.

“We had good preparations and are proud to represent Mexico and show them (the fans) Mexican boxing,” the two Mexicans said. Barrera, a cousin of former world champion Marco Antonio Barrera, went on to add that boxing fans will get to see boxing “Barrera style.” Cuevas is the son of former world welterweight champion Pipino Cuevas.

 For his part, Bautista claimed that he too, was more than ready to fight, while also acknowledging that Mexicans are true warriors on top of the ring. “These Mexicans are also warriors. That’s why I’m ready to fight.” When asked if he had something new to offer in terms of improvement. Bautista said that we’ll see this when he fights Barrera on Saturday. Jaca is looking for a third straight win in his 2010 return to the ring after suffering three straight losses in 2008 and being idle in 2009.

In the other key match-ups of the fight, Milan Melindo said he was confident going up against Korea champion Jin Man Jeon in a match set at the light flyweight level. He said he was prepared, both physically and mentally for the fight that his manager and ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer said would be another fight that will hopefully get him closer to the top of the rankings and a world title shot. Jin Man Jeon has never lost to a Filipino and is looking for a fourth straight win over a Pinoy. He scored previous wins over Nelson Llanos, Bogie Delada and Isidro Lorona.

 One of the more interesting fights that could possibly steal the show from the main event will be that of come backing former world champion Florante Condes who faces Sofyan Effendi of Indonesia. Condes, who has had a roller-coaster ride of a career ever since he won then lost the IBF minimumweight championship, claims that there are no more off the ring distractions that are bothering him.

“Focused na po tayo at wala na pong distractions,” Condes said confidently.

 In the other fights, crowd favorite Jun Intor will light up the night again with his ring antics when he faces Jaime Alin of Bukidnon. Marlon Alta of General Santos faces Naozumi Tsuchiyama, a Philippines-based Japanese who fights with a prosthetic leg. The undefeated and former Philippine team candidate Wilbeth Loberanis tackles Romulo Ramayan. Pedro Balaba and Kotsky Ebalang will open up the fight card. The weigh-in for all boxers will be held today at the Atrium of the SM City Cebu. – THE FREEMAN