CEBU, Philippines - Filipino flyweight contender Gerpaul "TI Yamagata" Valero hopes to bounce back from a previous loss when he takes on Mindanao brawler Jonathan Ricablanca in the main event of the "Champions of the Future" fight card tonight at the Panphil B. Frasco Memorial Sports Complex in Liloan, Cebu.
The 25-year-old Ricablanca, who hails from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, is the eleventh hour replacement for the Jovylito "J-Flash" Aligarbes of Iligan City, who backed out at the last minute saying he could not make the required weight limit.
Valero seeks no less than redemption after losing by a close unanimous decision to Jerson Mancio in his last bout on January 20 at the Gaisano Countrymall carpark. It was a heart-breaking setback that ended Valero's 12-fight win streak under the guidance of the eagle-eyed Cebuano trainer Brix Flores.
Before his talent was spotted by Flores, the Sarangani Province-native Valero holds a pitiful record of only one victory in 17 pro fights with three draws.
In the supporting bouts of the slambang event presented by Thai boxing patron Naris Singwangcha and RWS International Promotions of Cebuano impresario Rex "Wakee" Salud, Rajah Renoel Pael of Siquijor will mix it up with Ryan Bongcawil of Bukidnon, while Redondo Singwangcha of Ormoc City will take on Elmer Colve of Zamboanga.
The rest of the card sponsored by Fighter Wine and the municipality of Liloan under the leadership of Mayor Duke Frasco features Boyose Singwangcha of Cebu City vs. Jeffrey Jimenez of Ozamiz City;Llanera Singwangcha vs. Rodel Wenceslao of Mandaue City; Tabanao Singwangcha of Bais vs. Jun Ryan Quimbo of Compostela; Kenny Singwangcha of Iligan vs. Bryan Samson of Siquijor; Canoy Singwangcha of Mandaue vs. Keith Batolenyo of Zamboanga;Belmar Plaza of Lanao del Norte vs. Junel Lacar of Misamis Oriental; and Francisco Singwangcha of Zamboanga vs. Nike June Quinaadman of MisOr. (FREEMAN)