Pinoy Pride XXII:The Revenge, Servania eyes swift KO win

CEBU, Philippines - WBO Asia-Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania (22-0, 8KOs) is looking for a swift knockout victory against former Panamian world champion Rafael ‘El Torito’ Concepcion (18-6, 8KOs) in the main event of ‘Pinoy Pride XXII:The Revenge’ on October 26 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

Facing the biggest challenge of his career, Servania yearns to cement his status as one of the most promising world title contenders from the fabled ALA Gym by making an impression against Concepcion.

“As much as possible I will try to finish the fight early because Concepcion is known to be a slow starter and he will   try to get his momentum as fight goes to the later rounds,” said Servania, whose training was not affected by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu yesterday.

“He is a tough opponent but I know that he will not engage in a toe-to-toe battle immediately that is why we are planning to control the fight in the early rounds,” he added.

Aside from defending his belt, Servania also aching to exact revenge at Concepcion, who is best known for dashing the world championship dream of his stablemate AJ "Bazooka" Banal five years ago at the Cebu Coliseum.

For his part, ALA chief tactician Edito Villamor said Servania has already logged in close to a hundred rounds of no-holds-barred sparring and is now 90% ready for the his fight versus Concepcion.

“His in great condition and he feels strong. He is still six pounds over, but we are confident that he will get the weight limit easily,” said Villamor.

In the supporting bouts of the blockbuster card co-presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, another undefeated ALA ring warrior in ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva (23-0, 13KOs) will defend his WBO Asia-Pacific super flyweight crown against Mexican Jose ‘Matador’ Cabrera (22-1, 10KOs).

            Two IDOL hopefuls in Mark Vincent 'Machete' Bernaldez (11-0, 7KOs) and Jessel Mark 'Magnifico' Magsayo (3-0, 2KOs) will also be seeing action in the equally-exciting undercards against Thai Khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth (10-5, 5KOs) and Pinoy journeyman Hagibis Quiñones, respectively. (FREEMAN)