Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Bangoyan eyes WBC int'l crown By Marianne Saberon-Abalayan
BALWEG Bangoyan, the promising fighter from the Davao Region called "The Hitman," will fight Sande Otieno of Kenya on October 10 for the World Boxing Council (WBC) international superbantamweight crown in what could be his toughest test so far since blitzing his way into the professional ranks.
The 12-round titular showdown dubbed "Ring War in JAGS-CT" will be held at the Attorney Enrique D. Yap Sr. Cultural Center in Glan, Sarangani Province, a huge venue that can accommodate up to 6,000 spectators.
Jose Abad Santos Mayor Alexander Wangkay, who handles Bangoyan, said he believes his fighter is now ripe for a world title shot and that the bout with Otieno is a steppingstone towards stardom.
"I believe Balweg is ready to fight for a world title. He is younger and hungrier than Otieno who is also undefeated like him," said Wankgay, also known as Zander Khan.
Wangkay hosted a luncheon press conference at Dencio's Restaurant Tuesday, which was also attended by Bangoyan, promoter Anthony Salvador, Bangoyan's trainer Vic Adriano, boxer Fernando Lumacad and his trainer Norman Wilson.
Lumacad will also fight the same card against Nick Otieno for the vacant WBC international flyweight championship.
The 21-year-old Bangoyan, who is from JAS, is ranked number 15 by the WBC with a fight record of 15 wins against no defeat, with eight of those wins coming by knockout.
Number 15-ranked Bangoyan, who also hails from JAS, has 12 wins with eight knockouts. The number 12-ranked Otieno boasts of a 15-0 record and also without a loss.
"We're not for the armed-type of war but we are for war in boxing as it is the No. 1 popular sport in the country. If Balweg wins this fight in October, he will go up against No. 1 Israel Vasquez of Mexico. By then we can go and fight in Las Vegas," Wangkay said.
"My dream for him is to be the next Manny Pacquaio. Who knows he might be the very first world boxing champion from the Davao Region," the mayor added.
Bangoyan's trainer, Vic Adriano said his ward is a stylish boxer.
"He doesn't allow himself to get hit. We will work on his right. Otieno, meanwhile, uses a lot of straights and has lesser footworks. We will get ready for him. We will start our rigid training on September 1," Adriano said in the vernacular.
But, Wangkay said Bangoyan should not be complacent as anything can happen on the ring.
"Anything is possible in boxing. He should always be on his guard," Wangkay said.
Lumacad, who admitted he hasn't seen a fight of Nick Otieno even on tape, said he would also start rigid training with his trainer Norman Wilson.
"We have already started our light training but we will go heavy beginning on September 1," Lumacad said.
Wilson said: "It will be one spectacular fight. We are going there to win and bring home the title."
Wangkay said the Philippine Amateur Gaming Corporation has agreed to become one of the major sponsors of the event presented by ZK Promotions.
