CEBU, Philippines — Barely one month after winning his first regional championship belt, Cebu-based Mindanao brawler April Jay “Astroboy” Abne muscled his way into the world rankings.
The top fighter of Cebu’s upstart ARQ Gym is now listed at No. 38 among the flyweight contenders of the prestigious World Boxing Council (WBC) based in Mexico.
Abne’s promotion was a timely present for ARQ top honcho Jason Arquisola, who celebrated his birthday when the WBC November ratings were released yesterday.
“Dako kaayo ko’g pasalamat sa Ginoo nga naapil nako sa WBC ratings,” said the 22-year-old Abne. “Naabot ning nindot nga balita atol pa gyud sa birthday sa among big boss nga si sir Jason Arquisola mao nang doble akoang kalipay.”
Abne’s climb into the WBC ladder came three weeks after he grinded through a split decision victory over the more experienced Bienvenido “Fairtex Ben Sniper” Ligas of Elorde Stable to clinch the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver flyweight title in ARQ’s “Engkuwentro Dos” show last October 30 at the Ibabao-Estancia Gym in Mandaue City.
Abne, still perfect at 7-0 with 3 knockouts, vowed to strive even harder now that he has already secured a place among WBC’s top flyweights.
“Akong ikapasalig nga maninguha pa ko og maayo aron madungagan ang akong kusog ug abilidad,” assured the pride of Manticao, Misamis Oriental. “Dili ra diha kutob ang akong pangandoy nga maka-abot ani nga ranking kay tinguha gyud nako makab-ot akong damgo nga ma- world champion sa umaabot.” — EBV