Powerhouse cast ready to mix it up

Expect an explosive display of striking skills as the first Mano-Mano Challenge unveils a powerful cast of fighters on Jan. 24 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

A thrilling showdown between the highlanders and the lowlanders is anticipated after the lineup has been completed in this full-contact martial arts competition that features the art of striking using the fists, feet, elbows and knees.

"The fighters are ready and raring to mix it up. This is one occasion where our local martial artists from as far as Mindanao are given the rare chance to display their all-around fighting skills on top of the ring," said Ed Dames, managing director of the organizing CEMG, during yesterday’s PSA sports forum at the Holiday Inn Manila Pavilion.

Dames said lesser-known fighters from the provinces are hungry for respect and they could not be taken lightly.

"Even the national sports association of muay thai was impressed by the fighting skills of our participants from the provinces. They are not far behind their counterparts in Manila and Luzon," added Dames.

Benguet, which claims to have the most number of martial arts practitioners in the country, parades a formidable company of fighters that include Ricky Luken, six-time national wushu champion; Charlie Angel, gold medallist in the Asian Open Kickboxing Championships and undefeated in mixed martial arts contests; Dare Malecdan, three-time national kickboxing champion; Brent Velasco, Bangkok World Cup gold medallist; Billy Alumno, Australia-Oceana Open silver medallist and Rodrigo Asiong, Canadian Open Kickboxing silver medallist.

Leading the banner of the lowlanders are Mercito Gesta, Cebu’s youngest undefeated boxer and muay thai artist; Greg Lumbo, kali-eskrima champion from Dumaguete; yaw-yan’s pride Badong Valdueza; and Charles and Gremond Agpoon from the highly respected clan of martial artists in Mandaluyong.

Slugging it out for honors are 24 fighters from various martial arts disciplines including karate, taekwondo, muay thai, boxing, tang soo doo, yaw-yan, Malayan kan-fu and kuntaw.

For ticket inquiries, visit Ticketworld outlets at all Ayala malls and National Bookstore branches in Metro Manila. The event, held in cooperation with the KBP Metro Manila Chapter, is sanctioned by the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines and supported by Gold’s Gym, Trust Condom and DWRK.