"Hindi matatapos ang 12 rounds, bagsakan ’to." These were exactly the words made by protagonists Malcolm Tuñacao and Randy Mangubat when they clash for the WBC International flyweight crown on Saturday at the Casino-Filipino Amphitheater in Parañaque.
Tuñacao and Mangubat are looking at the bout as a stepping stone for a possible crack at the legit world crown.
"Siya o ako ang babagsak. Pero siguradong isa lang ang mananalo," Tuñacao said after yesterday’s public preview at the Elorde Gym.
Dubbed "Fist of Fury at Casino," the12-round bout is one of the three WBC International championship fights being lined up by Elorde International Productions and supported by PCSO and Thurderbird.
Mangubat, on the other hand, is keen on spoiling Tuñacao’s comeback bid and promised to send the former world champion kissing the canvas.
"Kailangang manatili akong kampeon. Kasi nakasalalay dito ang pagsabak ko sa mas mataas na titulo," lamented Mangubat, who stands three inches shorter than Tuñacao.
Two other WBC International fights are on tap: junior flyweight titlist Juanito Rubillar defends against Japanese Takahiko Mizuno, while bantamweight ruler Ricky Gayamo clashes with challenger Abner Cordero.