Unbeaten Kenyan tests Balweg

There’s no turning back for rising star Balweg Bangoyan who will be put to an acid test when he challenges unbeaten WBC International superbantamweight champion Sande Otieno of Kenya in a 12-round title bout at the Rizal Memorial College (RMC) Gym in Davao City on Oct. 10.

Mayor Zander Khan of Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur, admitted yesterday it’s a big risk for his protégé but he’d rather find out now than later if the fighter has what it takes to shine on the world stage.

Khan, 51, is no stranger to boxing. When his uncle Armand Bangoyan died in 1985, Khan took over his stable of 20 fighters and promoted cards to advance their careers. He also got involved as a business manager with Gerry Peñalosa, Armand Picar, Rudy Cabiles, Little Bangoyan, Morris East and even Manny Pacquiao.

Khan’s last promotion was in 2000 when he partnered with Bebot Elorde and Jay Sonza to stage Pacquiao’s fight against Arnel Barotillo at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. It was only six months after Pacquiao lost the WBC flyweight title to Medgeon 3-K Battery but Khan took a chance, knowing he would bounce back with a vengeance.

From the promotion, Khan made a little money, which he staked in the 2001 mayoralty race at Jose Abad Santos. He was on the campaign trail for only three months and won the first of three straight terms, dislodging control from a family that had dominated the town politics for over 30 years.

“It’s good to be back in boxing,” said Khan who now takes care of nine pros and about 50 amateurs with trainers Julius Wangkay and Vic Adriano. “I’m grateful to (Davao City) Mayor (Rudy) Duterte and his son Paolo for making this card possible. The RMC Gym is where Manny defended his IBF superbantamweight title against Fahprakob (Rakkiat-Gym) in 2002. The facility is owned by Leo Magno and a perfect venue for a big boxing show.”

Bangoyan, 21, is undefeated like Otieno who’s making the second defense of the WBC crown he won via a 12-round decision over Marcel Kasimov in Russia last November.

Bangoyan, the Philippine 122-pound titleholder, is fresh from a second round disposal of Phil Angcamor last July. His record is 12-0, with eight KOs. Otieno, 33, has a 16-0 record, with seven KOs. Two of his victims were Obote Ameme and Anthony Mathias who have both fought here.

In the companion main event, WBC No. 1 lightflyweight contender Juanito Rubillar takes on Otieno’s brother Nick. Rubillar is lined up for a mandatory crack at the WBC title held by Edgar Sosa of Mexico and can’t afford to lose to Otieno who went the distance in bowing to Z Gorres on points in Cebu last May. A defeat will knock Rubillar out of title contention.

Rubillar, 31, has a 46-10-7 record, with 22 KOs, while Otieno’s mark is 16-2, with six KOs. After losing to Gorres, Otieno stormed back to pulverize Mika Elly in six rounds in Kenya last month.

The NBN network will air the fights on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m.

“Otieno is ranked No. 12 by the WBC and in the Kasimov bout, he got up from a knockdown to win so we know it won’t be easy for Balweg,” said Khan. “But this is his chance to show what he’s made of. It’s make or break for Balweg. They’re both undefeated and you can expect them to go all-out for a win.”

Khan said if Bangoyan wins, Cebu promoter Rex (Wakee) Salud promised to book him for a fight in a Dubai card, topbilled by Bobby Pacquiao, on Nov. 28.

Khan said he’s slowly building a stable that he hopes someday, will spawn world champions. Among his prospects are junior bantamweight Russell Alim, flyweight Ricky (Tyson) Sabia, miniflyweight Kid Gabe, junior flyweight Juve Alim and flyweight Rocky Sardido.

Khan’s dream is to relive the memory of bringing Picar to Las Vegas to challenge WBA light middleweight champion Julio Cesar Vasquez in 1994 – with a different ending. Picar, then the Oriental champion, was knocked out in two rounds. Khan would like to someday take Bangoyan or any one of his other prospects to Las Vegas for a crack at the world crown and come home with the belt.

After retiring from boxing, Picar took a job as a porter at the Davao airport and was killed in a terrorist bombing attack five years ago.