EVEN though his opponent was way over the welterweight limit of 169 pounds, Cebu-based British warrior Tom “The Hawk” Woodfin (1-0) still agreed on fighting the bigger Razi “The Iranian” Jabarri (2-2) in the main event of tonight’s Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) Cebu V “Deliverance” at the Cebu International Convention Center.
Most fighters back down from the bout if their opponent fails to make the weight, however, Woodfin wants the show to go on as he believes that he has trained enough for this fight and doesn’t want it to go to waste.
“I’ve trained for three months and it’s unlikely that I would back down,” said Woodfin. “I’ve been looking forward for this fight for a long time. I’ll do my best and I’m pretty confident that I’ll win this fight.”
Woodfin successfully made the weight at 168 pounds, while Jabbari was eight pounds over the limit at 177, only two more to go before tonight’s fight.
Yesterday, Jabbari shaved off two pounds after jogging around the IT Park. He continued to lose weight in the sauna and finally weighed-in at 171 pounds.
URCC president Alvin Aguilar said that they have to follow strict rules and guidelines in the URCC and that nobody is exempted from it.
“He has to jog and jog again until he makes weight. If he can’t make weight then there will no fight,” said Aguilar.
Meanwhile, Yaw-Yan Ardigma standout Engi “The Destroyer” Piloto (1-1) faces off with Richie Redman (0-2), while Arie Zarco trades blows with last minute- replacement Jerome “The Cruiser Fist” Torbiso in the main supporting bouts.
Substitute
Torbiso stepped-in for Cary Bullos, who is suffering from dengue.
Two Cebuanos will also defend their URCC Visayas titles. Maxilito “Hyper Eagle” Yong defends his flyweight crown against Remus Belguera and Demetrio “The Standard” dela Torre stakes his pinweight title against Victor “The Gladiator” Torre.
Also in the undercard, Jimmy “The Silencer” Yabo will face Leo “The Sandman” Gaerlan’ Sevilla “The Grip” Intoy will face Jecar “The Alligator” Tumulak Vender; Wilfredo “Tiger Force” Cajurao will fight Geronimo “Matador” Etac; Argie Junsay will take on Jerlyn “Matador” Liera; and Siloy “Black Smith” Analito will fight Mark “Buhawe” Revalde.