All systems go in Dubai

MANILA, Philippines - A blockbuster boxing card featuring three Filipinos will be staged as scheduled at the Lodge, Chi Garden, Dubai tonight with Thailand’s Komrit Twins Gym a late substitute for Colombia’s Devis Perez to challenge WBC Youth Intercontinental flyweight champion Milan Melindo.

Perez couldn’t fly out of Bogota via Europe because of the flight backlog stemming from the volcanic eruption in Iceland and promoters would’ve spent a hefty sum rerouting his trip through Brazil or the US. ALA boxing stable owner Tony Aldeguer said yesterday the Dubai promoters were able to locate a willing opponent who planed in at short notice. WBC Youth committee official Rex Walker of Texas sanctioned Komrit as official challenger for Melindo’s belt.

“Luckily, it doesn’t take long to process a visa in Thailand,” said Aldeguer. “A lot of muay fighters from Thailand go to Dubai so Komrit’s application wasn’t something exceptional.”

Komrit’s record is 15-3, with 11 KOs. He hasn’t fought since losing to Filipino A. J. Banal on a first round stoppage three years ago. Among his knockout victims were Filipinos Roy Tarazona, Lee Escobido, Eddie Boy Penaso, Melvin Magramo, Rodolfo Campana, Sherwin Paro, Janrey Verano and Cris Bersamus. He has also outpointed Filipinos Eric Barcelona twice, Nathan Barcelona and Jun Talape. Apparently, Komrit has made it a habit to feast on Filipinos in the ring.

“It’s all systems go,” said Aldeguer whose son Michael flew to Dubai with the Filipino contingent last Sunday.

Melindo is being lined up for a world title shot before the end of the year and can’t afford to lose to Komrit. He was close to challenging newly crowned IBF lightflyweight champion Carlos Tamara in a co-promotion between Solar Sports and ALA in Manila this June but the Colombian titlist backed out to take on a less risky opponent for more money.

“We almost had a done deal but Tamara’s team decided to go with Argentina’s Luis Lazarate who’s an easier opponent than Milan and whose promoter offered more money,” said Michael Aldeguer. “Milan has outgrown the 105-pound division and will now be fighting in the lightflyweight division although in Dubai, he will defend his flyweight title.”

Aldeguer said the Melindo-Tamara fight would’ve been in Brian Viloria’s comeback card.

“Milan was very confident of beating Tamara because he saw how Viloria made the mistake of slugging it out with Tamara, trying to knock him out when he was way ahead on points,” continued Aldeguer. “Milan won’t make the same mistake. We can’t really confirm plans for Milan to challenge Tamara this year because Tamara has yet to defend his title against Lazarate then (Ulises) Solis. We will wait and see after those fights.”

In the main event, featherweight Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista meets Thailand’s Saichon Sotornpitak. It is Bautista’s second outing since undergoing hand surgery last year.

“Boom Boom’s frame of mind is now set at making a successful comeback in the ring,” said Aldeguer. “He suffered depression for a year and concentrated on his business. Boom Boom has a jeepney which he sometimes drives from Tagbilaran to Carmen (Chocolate Hills) and now owns three vehicles that cater to local and foreign tourists. He’s doing well.”

Aldeguer said Bautista is scheduled to appear in a series of fights in the US but his future depends on how he fares against Saochin who has a 10-1 record, with five KOs.

The third Filipino in the card is superbantamweight Larry (Bon Jovi) Canillas who meets Tanzania’s Fred Sayuni. Canillas, a knockout artist, has registered 11 stoppages in 12 wins. Sayuni has a record of 6-3-4, with three KOs.

The show is being staged by KO Promotions, a Dubai outfit headed by Zack Taumafi and Filipino Ramon Pizarras.

“We personally planned to hold the Dubai boxing event last year but due to conflict of schedule of the boxers and for some other reasons, the project never materialized,” noted Aldeguer. “Boom Boom was picked to headline the card because it seems he has quite a following of fans in Dubai as we were told by Mr. Pizarras who is from Bohol like Boom Boom.”