Coach gears up Pitpitunge for title bout

IF there is one thing that Team Lakay doesn’t want to happen is Crisanto Pitpitunge burning out for his upcoming fight.

Pitpitunge is set to go up against Justin Cruz, the current featherweight champion of the Pacific Xtreme Combat, which will be up for grabs in the main event of the evening slated July 14 at the Ynares Sports Center.

“We’re hoping that he just doesn’t get easily burned when he fights because he was recently accepted to train with the Philippine National Police later this week,” said Team Lakay Mark Sangiao head coach.

The Criminology graduate Pitpitunge is set to wrap up his training this Saturday, July 7 before the team heads to Manila for a week of acclimatization prior to the fight.

Sangiao added they had beefed up Pitpitunge’s striking skills in their training camp sparring with URCC welterweight champion Eduard Folayang, lightweight champion Honorio Banario and Geje Eustaquio.

“Our game plan is to let Cruz and Crisanto stand up because I think Pitpitunge has the upper hand when it comes to striking,” added Sangiao.

The former mix martial arts fighter turned coach Sangiao added Crisanto can’t afford to let the fight go down the mat as Cruz has a better advantage when he fights on the floor.

"Crisanto is a good striker but for his training we try to put more wrestling and grappling skills because Justin has a good ground game and that's where he thrives," added Sangiao.

Pitpitunge's bout against Cruz will be a bit personal as Cruz, named as The Shocker, defeated Sangiao in their bout way back in November of 2009.

Aside from the bantamweight title, Pitpitunge will eye for his fourth career win in five fights while Cruz will gun for his 19th career win that goes with four losses.