CEBU, Philippines – All eyes will be on Cebu's Muay Thai team as the best amateur kickboxers in the country slug it out in the 2015 Philippine National Games starting tomorrow in San Jose, Antique.
After a successful campaign in the Batang Pinoy National finals last July in Bulacan, it’s the turn of the junior and adult kickboxers to show off their wares in Muay Thai.
The 20-man fighting force under the guidance of Muay Thai Association of the Philippines-Visayas head Master Benigno ‘Ekin’ R. Caniga, Jr. are all products of Cebu City Sport Commission’s combat grassroots program.
Aside from the combat tournament, the Cebuano kickboxers will also join in the Wai Khru or Muay Thai dance.
“They trained for almost three months. They are also regular competitors in the ‘Bakbakan sa Sugbo’ and that could be their edge over their rivals," said Caniga.
Master Ekin has formed an elite squad that includes three amateur mixed martial arts fighters in Jed Alvarez, Roy Bajar and Rhyle Lugo. Veteran Yaw-Yan ArDigma mainstay Ruel Rosauro will carry the banner of Team Visayas in the adult class.
“This is a solid team and our goal is to get the gold and hopefully add more Cebuano’s to compete together with Ken (Caniga) in the World Championships in Sweden next year,” added Caniga. (FREEMAN)