FEATHERWEIGHT prospect Pete Apolinar is out to prove that he’s the real deal in his first regional title against his stiffest opponent to date.

“This will be his biggest fight and his first championship fight,” Omega Sports Promotions vice president Jerome Calatrava told SunStar Cebu. “He’s ready. He has to step up to prove himself.”

Apolinar locks horns with former ALA Gym teammate and fellow prospect Jess Rhey Waminal for the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Silver featherweight belt in the main event of “Kumbati 10” on July 3, 2021 at the IPI Complex in Mandaue City.

Apolinar and Waminal were once teammates and sparring partners at the now-defunct ALA Gym.

Apolinar now trains at the Omega Boxing Gym, while Waminal is now training at The Fight Studio WLS in Cagayan de Oro.

The 26-year-old Apolinar has been very active and has fought thrice already since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in 2020. He bested Jetro Pabustan, Danny Tampipi and Juanito Paredes all by unanimous decision.

Waminal, in the meantime, last fought in 2019. He outclassed Indian Sunil Siwach by unanimous decision on Nov. 23, 2019 in Tagum City.

Apolinar is 14-1 with eight knockouts, while the 26-year-old Waminal is 14-3-1 with eight knockouts.

If victorious, Calatrava said they want to campaign in the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight division, wherein Gary Russell Jr. is the current titleholder.

“Yes. (We are targeting) WBC,” said Calatrava.

Calatrava feels that Apolinar is ready for tougher opposition if he beats Waminal convincingly.

“Yes, that’s our objective. If he wins, then we’ll go for the big names,” said Calatrava. “We are willing to face anybody.” (EKA)