Crack US breeder vies in Slasher Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Action in the 2011 World Slasher Cup resumes today with a new set of entries from the country’s and the world’s leading game fowl breeders making up the 270-entry field at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jim Clem Jr. of Klamath Falls, Oregon, the renowned breeder of musician Ray Price’s black fowls, arrived in Manila Saturday to witness the first participation of his black/jap gamecocks in the bi-annual event.

Clem, who will partner with former North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pinol, will field in two entries – Oregon Colt 39 which is a show of black japs, and Braveheart Farms, North Cotabato which will parade Pinol’s fowls.

“I am excited to witness this big event. This is something that game fowl breeders such as me miss in America so much,“said Clem.

Winners will advance to the 2-cock semis set tomorrow and Thursday for Groups A and B, respectively, while the 4-cock finals will be held Jan. 22 and 23.

Fights can also be seen upclose and crystal clear from all corners of the Big Dome via the newly-installed giant LED scoreboard, the biggest indoor installation in the world. 

Admission is free to all foreigners who can present their passports.

The Oregon Colt 39 and Braveheart Farms, North Cotabato fowls were prepared by Antipolo City handler Mark Cruz. Veteran cocker Lance dela Torre has volunteered to tie the knife for the two entries. The Oregon Colt 39 and Braveheart entries will see action today.

A huge American delegation, aiming to regain the overall crown, will be led by previous Slasher champions Larry Whitehead, Roger Roberts, Ray Alexander and Tom Wilson of Tennessee, who is making a comeback after more than 10 years of absence.

Also up today is the much-awaited Filipino-American Challenge featuring the match-ups between Sonny Lagon and Jeff Hudspeth; Boy Marzo vs Karl Perkins; Jesry Palmares vs Jerald Inman; Sonnie Magtibay vs Bill MacWhite; Dicky Lim vs Clarence Perkins; Honey Yu vs Charles Berry and Mayor Cito Alberto vs Wilbert LeBlanc, Rey Briones vs Mike Formosa and Bernie Tacoy vs Jason Campbell.