Puerto Princesa to stage seven world title bouts

MANILA, Philippines - In an unprecedented landmark in boxing history, Puerto Princesa will host a card featuring seven world title fights at the city coliseum on Oct. 29 with Mayor Edward Hagedorn calling it a parallel project to his campaign for the inclusion of the 8.2-kilometer underground river as one of the new seven wonders of nature.

The Puerto Princesa underground river, inscribed as a national heritage site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), is one of 28 finalists in the search for the world’s new seven wonders.

Promoter Gabriel (Bebot) Elorde, Jr. said lining up seven world title bouts on a single night wasn’t easy but after finding out about Mayor Hagedorn’s drive for the underground river, he made it happen. 

“It’s a big investment and we’ve put up a P3.5 million budget for the card,” said Elorde. “For every world title fight, we’re paying the WBC a sanction fee of $2,500. But we think it’s worth the risk. We’re looking for the next Manny Pacquiao and he could be discovered that night. Our fighters are young, from 18 to 22. They’re the new generation. There’s a lot of talent out there and we want to give our fighters every chance to display their potentials.”

Heading the bill is the 12-round match between Dado Cabintoy of Aurora and Japanese Hiroki Shiino for the vacant WBC International bantamweight title. Japanese ring guru Joe Koizumi, a Hall of Famer, arranged the match. Cabintoy, 21, has an 8-1-2 record, with four KOs, and is coming off a second round disposal of Julius Agcopra while Shiino, 25, boasts a 6-1 mark, with five KOs, and is fresh from a sixth round stoppage of Kazuyoshi Niki.

“This fight is 50-50,” said Elorde. “Shiino is one of Japan’s rising stars and Joe wouldn’t send him to the Philippines if he didn’t think he has a good chance of winning. Both have lost only once in identical style, on a majority decision. It will be competitive and exciting. I don’t think losing is an option for either fighter.” 

With no amateur experience, Cabintoy said he’s determined to follow in the footsteps of his idol Manny Pacquiao. “I’m a pressure fighter like Pacquiao and a counterpuncher like (Juan Manuel) Marquez,” he said. “Shiino is my first foreign opponent. I don’t really care whom I fight. As long as I train hard and stay focused, I know I’ll win the title.”

The six other world title fights between Filipinos and Thais are for vacant WBC Youth championships as sanctioned by  WBC vice president and WBC Youth championships committee chairman Rex Ross Walker.

Renan Trongco, 22, battles Sirisak Sitjarem, 21, for the WBC Youth lightflyweight diadem. Gabriel Altarejos, 19, takes on Gawna Sorsirisak, 19, for the WBC Youth superflyweight crown. Cris Paulino, 18, faces Danai Meendaeng, 21, for the WBC Youth flyweight title. Vergel Nebran, 21, meets Petchunan Sithpandeang, 20, for the WBC Youth bantamweight belt. Jaderes Padua, 21, tackles Manopnoi Singmanasak, 18, for the WBC Youth superbantamweight throne. And Joe Maxian, 20, tangles with Themsamuthr Duanaay-Mukdahan for the WBC Youth superfeatherweight title.

International referees Bruce McTavish and Virgilio Garcia will take turns working the bouts. 

“Throughout my career as a boxing promoter and manager, I’ve crowned only two world champions Eric Jamili and William Magahin,” said Elorde. “Now, my stable has grown to 23 fighters, including 13 who stay in the St. Rita Village compound  in Sucat where I live with my family. The seven fighting in Puerto Princesa are among the 13 and they’re like my sons. They go to Mass everyday at the nearby St. Rita Church which my father (Flash Elorde) built.  I’ve managed contenders like Juanito Rubillar, Reynante Jamili, David Franco, Marlon Chinilla and former world champion Morris East. But the stable I have now is special.  The Puerto Princesa card will be their coming out party.”