THE Cebu-based Omega Boxing Promotion finally returns to the ring at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, at the International Pharmaceuticals Inc. compound in Mandaue City, Cebu in spite of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

For almost two months, the boxing outfit has been preparing to make sure all protocols were observed, said Omega's Jerome Calatrava.

"The fight definitely will set the tone for other coming local boxing fights," he said, adding that, "We hope that there would be more boxing fights in the near future, which will not only be as exciting but most importantly as compliant/observant as possible with IATF/DOH/GAB health and safety protocols."

"We are hoping that it will be successful and safe as it's a signal that boxing is back in the Philippines. With this we are hoping other promoters follow and put up cards soon in MGCQ areas," he added.

"This does not only signal that boxing is back but the bigger picture is the Philippines is adapting to the new normal and almost back on its feet in general," Calatrava said.

Featured in these scheduled 10-round fights are Omega's Ronnie Vicelles (Visproba light flyweight champion) going against Baguio's Junel Lacar as Christian Araneta takes Richard Rosales of Bohol in the light flyweight while Omega's Penitente Apolinar faces Cagayan de Oro's Jetro Pabustan in the featherweight division.

Also seeing action in the 6-round clash in the light welterweight category are Carlo Bacaro and Cebu's Jeffrey Stella.

Meanwhile, GAB Chairman Abraham Khalil Mitra described the recent victories of Mark Bernaldez, Johnriel Casimero, and Mark Magsayo as a testament that Filipino athletes are world-class.

"Once again, the Filipino fighters showed their supremacy against foreign fighters. We wish them continued success as we pledge all our support to their endeavors," Mitra said.