Foreign boxers in town for ‘War at the Casino’ slugfest

It’s all systems go for the "War at the Casino", a three-in one blockbuster slugfest featuring two international title bouts and one Philippine championship, set Saturday at the Casino Filipino in Paranaque City.

Australian champion Jeff Malcolm arrived Sunday from Australia to face Filipino titleholder Fernando Sagrado for the World Boxing Association Pan-Asia welterweight championship .

Indonesian champion Ferdinan is also in town to battle the Philippines’ Dennis Laurente for the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight championship.

In the other mainer, Bobby Pacquiao, younger brother of world champion Manny Pacquiao, battles Renato Inal of the Elorde stable for the Philippine junior lightweight crown.

Promoter Johnny Elorde said a press preview will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Elorde Gym, in Sucat, Paranaque.

Malcolm, whose no-show in his original fight with Sagrado two years ago resulted in a lawsuit by the Elordes, arrived with his trainer Robert Wilson aboard a flight from Sydney.

Sagrado said he is eager to finally confront the Australian, saying he would finish off his opponent inside seven rounds.

"Beterano itong si Malcolm dahil meron na siyang mga 115 bouts, pero baka hindi na siya makabalik sa Australia," said Sagrado, who has a ring record of 19 wins, 15 by knockout, against four losses and two draws.

Sagrado, however, is expected to have his hands full against the Australian, who like him, is a counterpuncher.

"Kailangang manalo ako rito, at malaki ang tiwala ko dahil na sa kundisyon ako," said Sagrado, who, according to Elorde, will be booked for a fight in the Unite States if he wins this bout.

Malcolm was in Manila for his original bout in August, 2000 with the Filipino challenger, but the Australian, for reasons unknown, begged off before the fight and flew back to Australia.The show forced the Elordes to sue for damages and send notice to promoters who had a fight contract with the Australian not to honor the commitment because of a pending case against him.

Malcolm had asked for the bout with Sagrado to clear his name.

The championship bouts are promoted by Elorde and supported by the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Family Rubbing Alcohol, San Miguel Beer, Department of Tourism, LandBank, Grand Blvd. Hotel, Bai and Mig Party Favors, Elorde Sporting Goods and Elorde Sports Center

Tickets, pegged at P200, P300, P500, P1000 and P2000, are available at the Elorde Sprots Center at Sucat, Paranaque (tel. no. 820-9543 or 826-4463), Swagman Hotel (523-8541) and all Casino Filipino gaming areas at the Heritage Hotel, Grand Boulevard Hotel and Holday Inn concierge department.