Cruz stakes PXC crown vs Pitpitunge

MANILA, Philippines - Crisanto Pitpitunge seeks to become the second Filipino PXC winner next to boxer Ale Cali as he challenges Guam’s Justin “The Shocker” Cruz for the bantamweight crown in the main event of the Pacific X-Treme Combat 31 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City tomorrow.

Fighting out of Baguio-based Team Lakay, the 25-year-old Pitpitunge has won all three of his fights in the PXC, including an emphatic win over Gracie jiu-jitsu practicioner Victor Galdon at PXC 29 last February to gain a crack at the crown.

The event will be aired via satellite on AKTV on IBC 13 starting at 9 p.m.

“I was told I will get my chance as early as February that’s why I started training from there just to be ready for this fight,” said Pitpitunge in Filipino in yesterday’s press conference at the Best Premier F1 Hotel at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Pitpitunge is out to duplicate Cali’s feat after the latter beat Fil-Guamanian Jesse Taitano to win the vacant flyweight crown and become the first ever Filipino title-holder in the PXC.

“I want to be the second Filipino champion in the PXC and I will give it my all to become that,” he added.

TV5’s sports manager Vitto Lazatin and PXC officials Joey and EJ Calvo all agreed that PXC’s thrust is producing local champions.

“We’re encouraging our country to dream big dreams and making it a reality in the PXC,” said Lazatin.

“That’s really our goal, to encourage local fighters to come out and turn them to champions by giving them the opportunity at the PXC,” said Joey Calvo, PXC president.

The main event will be a showdown between a striking artist in Pitpitunge, whose Team Lakay is known for its wushu and muay Thai skills, and a submission expert in the 26-year-old Cruz, a noted grappler.

But Cruz said he’ll take the fight anywhere.

“I’m a wrestler so I’ll ground and pound my way against him but I can’t underestimate my standup skills because I can box with anybody,” said Cruz, who has fought five times in the country including fights against Filipino foes.

PXC 31 is presented by San Mig Strong Ice and Sports TV 5 with e-Games, Best Western F1 Hotel, Rogin E, Fitness First, Beer Below Zero, Premiere Condoms, FHM Philippines, FHM.COM.ph, Healthway Agility Phl., Real Sports Radio and Local.ph as other sponsors.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets and Ticketworld while AKTV on IBC13 airs PXC 31 on free Channel 13.