Fans get glimpse of Pinoy Pride lineup

BOXING fans saw a glimpse of their ring heroes’ training as the protagonists of the upcoming “Pinoy Pride 4 – Philippines vs. World” displayed their wares in a public sparring last Saturday at the Parkmall piazza.

Milan Melindo, AJ Banal and Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight champion Rocky Fuentes gave a preview to the boxing fans on what they will bring to their fights on March 19 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.

Melindo, Banal and Fuentes looked in tip-top condition and looked impressive in each of their three-round sparring sessions.

Melindo will headline the fourth instalment of the “Pinoy Pride” boxing series against Mexican Rosendo Vega. Banal, on the other hand, is defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific bantamweight crown against Tanzanian Francis Miyeyusho, while Fuentes will take on Indonesian Jimmy Gobel.

Also featured in the event are two foreigners that are looking to ink a contract with ALA Promotions, unbeaten Canadian Steve Clagget and Japanese prospect Kenichi Yamaguchi. Clagget faces Romeo Jakosalem while Yamaguchi is up against Marjohn Yap.

WBO mini-flyweight king Donnie Nietes, Mark Jason Melligen and Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista were in attendance to watch their stable mates spar.

The Philippine tennis team headed by Cecil Mamiit and Treat Huey also watched the public sparring sessions and promoted their upcoming games against Japan in the Davis Cup on March 4-6 at the Plantation Bay. (EKA)