Farenas to face ex-Pacquiao foe

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Farenas faces another tough challenge as he takes on Hector Velazquez for the WBC Asian Boxing Council super featherweight title on March 21 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan. 

Farenas, toting a 37-4-4 record with 29 knockouts, has disposed of his last three opponents in a combined five rounds which speaks volumes of his punching power. His last victory was a two-round stoppage of Jesus Rios in the main event of Philippines versus Mexico: First Blood, which was the first event of MAG Pacman Boxing Promotions.

“I’m ready,” Farenas said in Pilipino. “Velazquez is no pushover but I will do my best to knock him out.”

The Mexican, who arrived in the Manila last on March 14, boasts of a 56-20-3 mark with 38 KOs. He fought Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao back in 2005 and lost.

But against Farenas, Velazquez is facing a younger Filipino warrior itching for another shot at a world title.

The event, sponsored by CherrylumE, DIY (Do It Yourself) Hardware, and Harrix Wires and Cables, will be aired on GMA 7 on March 22.

In the undercard, Dave Penalosa (7-0-0, 5 KOs) will try to accomplish something his brother Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr. had failed to do, knocking out the tough Alem Robles (6-4-2, 2 KOs) who also hails from Mexico.

Velazquez, Farenas, and the rest of the fighters in the card will weigh in on March 20 at the Lancaster Hotel Manila, the event’s official hotel. The weigh-in proceedings will start at 10 a.m.