Thursday, March 13, 2008 All set for March 15 'Bacolod Boxing 2' By Henry C. Villalva
BOXING fans are expected to troop to the Pagcor Bacolod Casino on Saturday, March 15, starting 6:00 p.m., to witness the second promotion of Bugal sang Bacolodnon Boxing Promotions featuring upcoming Bacolod pro boxers going against opponents from other parts of the country.
"With the Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez fever high in the air I believe boxing fans will be interested to watch our very own local boxers pit skills against their counterparts in this second edition of Bacolod Boxing," said former Bacolod councilor and now Games and Amusements Board (GAB) commissioner Juan Ramon "Monju" Guanzon.
Guanzon, who likewise heads the Negros Amateur Boxing Association (NABA) has teamed up with Monico "Nicky" Puentevella, Jr. and other NABA stalwarts headed by treasurer Vic Tan and director Toto Regalado, among others, to help put up this series of promotions aimed at helping launch the pro boxing careers of promising former NABA amateur standouts.
Bugal sang Bacolodnon Boxing Promotions has also received the commitment and support of PAGCOR as well as Cebu-based Negrense boxing patron Antonio "Bidoy" Aldeguer of the world-renowned ALA Gym and stable in running this series of eight promotions scheduled to run for the entire 2008.
Also sponsoring the promotion are Ginebra San Miguel and Aldrich Corporation, among others.
Bacoleño Mark Gil Melligen of Barangay Pahanocoy will once again headline this Saturday's boxing card when he takes on Tiny Tyson from the Elaba Stable in Jagna, Bohol for 10 rounds in the 119 lbs. category.
The supporting bouts feature Leonardo Guardiano of Barangay Alijis versus Hilario Canillas of Lotupan, Toledo City, Cebu (4 rounds/122 lbs.); Nelson Arellano of Barangay 35 versus Rey Villar of Sultan Kudarat (4 rounds/113 lbs.); Roy Sumugat of Barangay Mansilingan versus Michael Otic of Bantayan Island, Cebu (4 rounds/116 lbs.); and Merlito Sabillo of Barangay Handumanan versus Jonel Bosano also of the Elabo Stable in Jagna, Bohol (4 rounds/106 lbs.).
As of press deadline yesterday it was not yet clear whether the march 15 promotion will also feature amateur bouts featuring standouts of NABA, the way it was during the January 26 initial Bugal sang Bacolodnon Boxing Promotions presentation.
Melligen is one of several former amateur standouts from NABA who turned pro and is now under Aldeguer's ALA stable in Cebu City. He prevailed via unanimous decision in his Jan. 26 fight against Carlo Magale of Tagbilaran, Bohol, also at the PAGCOR Bacolod Casino.
