Jimenez makes ring comeback in Medellin tonight

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano ring gladiator Junriel Jimenez will make his ring return after a nine-month hiatus and the stakes are higher for him right away as he battles Elias Joaquino in a 10-round rumble for the Philippine Boxing Federation super flyweight title headlining the "Sumbagay sa Medellin-Halad Ni Sr. Sto. Niño" fightcard at the Medellin Sports Complex tonight.

The international boxing show presented by the Local Government Unit of Medellin in cooperation with Big Yellow Promotions and Cebuano businessman-sportsman Lorenzo "Chao" Sy will also serve as Jimenez's debut in the 115-pound division.

The 22-year still looked sharp depite having not fought since knocking out fellow Cebuano Margarito Moya on July 8 last year at the IEC Convention Center in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City. He was then a flyweight contender.

Jimenez is actually coming off three straight wins via stoppage before being hounded by weight problems that sidelined him for nearly a year.

Jimenez, sporting an 8-1 record spiked with 5KOs, is heavily favored but must not flirt with complacency as Joaquino is a decent opponent toting a 12-2-1 slate with 6KOs.

The more experienced fighter and a dangerous counter-puncher, Joaquino is also hungry for a title having been denied with the Mindanao Professional Boxing Association belt by Jesse Espinas on his first title shot last January.

The rest of the pro bouts feature Mung Hung Lee of Chinese-Taipei versus Eddie Estibat and Indian boxers Santam Singh, Sachine Dekwal, Abhishek Verma, and  Sunny Boxing against Rollen Getalada, Junrey Germo, Ryan Maamo, and Roldan Getalada, respectively.—EBV (FREEMAN)