Friday, February 23, 2007 RP v. Korea Boxing Classic to push through: organizer
ASIDE from the replacement of Liza Sanggoy, who was supposed to be pitted against the International Female Boxing Association (IFBA) light flyweight champion from Korea, it is "all systems go" for the most awaited boxing event this year in Baguio City, an organizer said.
Sportsman Enrique Sobrepeña III said the 10 bouts featured in the 2007 Panagbenga RP versus Korea Boxing Classic (KBC) will push through "even better than expected."
Some of the top fighters from the Philippines and Korea will slug it out against each other at the Baguio Convention Center (BCC) on Sunday.
For the main event, Rey Labao, the country's fourth best boxer in the featherweight division, will face Jea Chun-Mun who is considered as the number two contender in the same 126-pound weight division of the Korean Boxing Council.
For the supporting main event, fighting it out will be Rexon Flores, the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) intercontinental light flyweight champion from Cadiz City, against Larry Mede of Baguio City, the Philippines' number two contender in the same 108-pound weight division.
For the special attraction, instead of Sanggoy, Bayna Londo will fight Lim Ju Hee of Korea, the IFBA lightweight champion, in the six-round bout.
Another four-rounder between female boxers Elsie Quezon of Cebu City and Jessabel Pagaduan of Baguio is also featured.
For preliminary bouts are 122-pound fighters Jason Egera of Dumaguete City versus Mike Tumbaga of Baguio (eight rounds), 118-pound boxer Alvin Tam of Baguio against Jessie Caballes of Manila (six rounds), 126-pound slugger Aldrin Tam of Baguio against Jonnel Herman of Trece Martirez (six rounds), and 114-pound boxer Allan Tam of Baguio versus Allen Matugas of Trece Martirez (six rounds).
For curtain raisers are 122-pound boxer Roderick Wackit of Baguio against Ruel Cuizon of Caloocan City (six rounds), and 105-pound fighter Dave Perlas of Baguio versus Noah Trinidad of Bicutan, Taguig City (four rounds).
According to sources at Elorde International Promotions (EIP), the main beneficiaries of the event will be the families of slain and/or wounded policemen and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents based in Cordillera.
"After the Boxing Classic, a formal turnover of the seed money that will be raised and allocated from the said event will be done in a public function, covered by media and witnessed by various prominent dignitaries and sports enthusiasts," said Sobrepeña.
He said the Panagbenga 2007 Boxing Classic will be presented in coordination with Camp John Hay, Red Lion Pub & Inn, and acting Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, in cooperation with the Baguio Sportswriters' Association (BSA). (ENO)
