PROMISING flyweight prospect April Jay Abne ends his long layoff Saturday, June 19, 2021, as he takes on Royder Loyd Borbon, in an eight-round main featured fight of ARQ Boxing’s maiden promotion, “Engkwentro Uno,” at the Cosonsa Manufacturing Compound in Ibabao, Mandaue City.

The 22-year-old Abne last saw action on Dec. 21, 2019 in Naga City, wherein he scored a second round knockout of Isagani Llaban.

Abne made waves in the Philippine boxing scene after an impressive run in Gerry Peñalosa’s Ultimate Boxing Series flyweight tournament.

He handed Ronel dela Cruz and Joseph Bayubay their first career losses in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. He then won the tournament with a majority decision over the more experienced Ronel Sumalpong in the finals.

Borbon should be a good test for Abne if he’s ready for the next level. Borbon has heavy hands and a good chin. Most of his losses are from decisions that could have gone either way. His last fight was a majority decision loss to John Mark Alimane.

Abne is 5-0 with two knockouts, while Borbon is 6-9-1 with six knockouts. John Paul Gabunillas (3-1, 2 KOs) trades leathers with unbeaten Maurino Agum (2-0, 1 KO) in the other main feature.

In the undercard, Rodex Piala exchanges blows with Vicente Casido (6-2-1, 2 KOs), Berland Robles locks horns with Smith Nemenzo (2-0, 1 KO), Ian Abne (1-0, 1 KO) slugs it out with Marvin Campo (0-2), Zandro Librador makes his pro debut against Reycar Auxilo (0-1), Yeroge Gura faces off with Steven Noblefranca (1-2-1) and Arniel Cañete squares off with Christopher Caburog (1-0).

The show will be shown live on ARQ Boxing’s official Facebook page.