Venezuelan ‘Explosivo’ vows to crush Servania

PARAÑAQUE CITY, Philippines — Venezuelan brawler Alexander ‘El Explosivo’ Munoz is hell-bent on derailing Genesis "Azucal" Servania’s path to a world title shot vowing to deliver a painful knockout defeat to the undefeated fighter from Cebu's fabled ALA Boxing Gym.

Munoz (36-5, 28KOs) is set to challenge defending champion Servania (23-0, 9KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight crown in the main event of ‘Pinoy Pride XXIV:The Future is Now’ fight card on Saturday night at the Solaire Resort and Casino here.

“I came here with only one thing in my mind and that is to win,” said Munoz during the event's final press conference yesterday at the Eclipse Bar of Solaire. “I am not called 'Explosivo' for nothing. I got two strong hands and I know that knockout will come to Servania.”

The 35-year-old-Munoz considers himself as the more experienced fighter and he sees it as an advantage over Servania.

“I fought many world champions and put up a good fight against them, win or lose. I respect Servania because he is a great fighter but I am confident that I can get this win,” he said. “I am going to win this for my country who is now experiencing a lot of bad things.”

 Munoz brings along with him an impressive resume, having fought a long list of top-caliber boxers including Japanese champion Koki Kameda, Eiji Kojima, Nabuo Nashiro and Cristian Mijares.

Servania, however, is unfazed by Munoz remarks and simply brushed off the Mexican’s claim of victory. “All I can say is that I trained hard in US and Mexico and if he says that he will beat me, then bring it on Saturday night,” said the Bacolod City-native warrior.

In the supporting bouts, unbeaten super bantamweight prospect ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara (18-0, 12KOs) will take on Isack Junior (22-4, 8KOs) of Indonesia, while WBO International super flyweight champion ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva (24-0, 14KOs)) will go up against last-minute replacement Fernando ‘Enano’ Aguilar (9-6, 1KO) of Mexico in the other non-title match scheduled for 10 rounds.

The rest of the card features two undefeated boxers in Mark ‘Magnifico’ Magsayo (4-0, 3KOs) and Melvin ‘Top Gun’ Gumban (15-0, 7KOs) against Roy-Roy Sumugat (9-9, 5 KOs) and Dino Lelis (10-11, 5KOs), respectively . (FREEMAN)