The National Cockers Alliance (NCA) World Slasher Championship Derby gets going today at the Ynares Center in Pasig City with a banner field of local and international cockers participating.
Defending champions Boy de Roca and the group of Sec. Ronnie Puno and Usec. Danny Valero lead the star-studded cast in the three-day event, considered as the Olympics of Cockfighting. The other playdates are on Jan. 15 and 17.
De Roca is again expected to field in his aces under several entries along with reigning Cocker of the Year Rep. Iggy Arroyo and runner-up Patrick Antonio.
The group of Gerry Ramos and Ferdie Buensalida, reinforced by their American partners George Torres, Norland Rockwell and James Campbell, is also tipped to contend for the crown, owing to its impressive performance in the last NCA derby.
Others expected to shine are the entries of Rep. Tony Co and Gov. Ito Ynares, who will be joined by two American cockfighting enthusiasts, Mickey Tallent and Ty Tallent.
Rene Medina, Ric de Guzman, California breeder Larry Barletta, Larry Whitehead, Joe Wolcott, Dan Gray, Carl Stichard of Ohio, Damon Yorkman, Romy Arciaga, Wayne Spurlock of Kentucky and Joe Sanford of San Francisco are also in the fold.