Cabalquinto challenges Solmiano

FORMER amateur standout Adones Cabalquinto called out fellow promising prospect Jay Solmiano to trade leathers with him for the World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific light welterweight strap.

Cabalquinto, a former national champion in the amateur ranks, issued the challenge after hearing rumors that Solmiano wanted to face him and would beat him inside the ring.

“I am not, in any way, afraid of fighting Jay Solmiano. I will fight him anytime and anywhere. But to face a fellow Filipino prospect like me, I think it would be very rewarding for the winner to land in the world rankings. So, I believe it’s best that we fight for the WBO Asia Pacific belt,” he said.

The 24-year-old Cabalquinto currently holds the RP light welterweight crown and is off a unanimous decision win over Jaypee Ignacio in their rematch last week. Cabalquinto, who is ranked 10th in the WBO Asia-Pacific light welterweight division, holds a record of 13-0 with eight knockouts.

Solmiano, 25, who would prove a tough test for Cabalquinto, is a former champion and had fought for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight title. He has a 13-2-1 slate with nine knockouts and won his second straight fight after a second round knockout over Alejandro Anas last Saturday night in Madaluyong.

Solmiano’s losses are from Japanese OPBF lightweight king Nihito Arakawa and RP lightweight titlist Rey Labao.