Dennis stakes OPBF crown vs Montilla

Reigning Orient Pacific Boxing Federation lightweight champion Dennis Laurente resumes his campaign for a world title when he fights Filipino challenger Fernando Montilla tomorrow, at the Casino Filipino Amphitheater in Parañaque City.

Laurente, who turned 26 last July 29 is staking his OPBF crown against Davao City’s Montilla in a 12-rounder in "Boksing Kontra Droga" presented by the Inner Wheel Club of Parañaque Sucat and Rotary Club of Parañaque Sucat in cooperation with Johnny Elorde Management International and sponsored by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Family Rubbing Alcohol, Elorde Sporting Goods Int’l and Ringside Coffee Corner.

"Kaunting panahon na lang, sana mag-world champion na rin ako," said Laurente, who is making his second title defense following his win by unanimous decision over Indonesia’s Ferdinan at the same venue last year.

Laurente, now ranked No. 8 by the World Boxing Council and who needs two or three more international bouts to improve his ranking, is ecstatic as younger brother; Pederito just won the OPBF Jr. featherweight crown last Saturday in Tokyo Japan by beating Manabu Fukushima by a unanimous decision. "This is the first time that we have brothers who are both OPBF champs," said Johnny Elorde who manages the two boxers. "Maganda ito para sa ating bansa," he added.

The official weigh-in of the boxers and the OPBF rules meeting will be held at the Games & Amusements Board Office at 2 p.m. today. Three ten rounders, two six rounders and three four rounders plus exhibition matches of the students of the Elorde Boxing gym will complete the card which starts at 6 p.m.

Tickets at P200, P500, and P1,500 are available at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat Parañaque and all Casino branches in Metro Manila. For particulars please call 8209543 and 8264463.<