UNBEATEN Filipino prospect Jade Bornea is in for the biggest fight of his young budding career as he makes his US debut against Ernesto Delgadillo for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super flyweight belt on Jan. 31, 2020 (PH time) at the Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington.
“He’s well conditioned and ready to showcase his abilities in America. He’s very excited for his first fight here,” former world champion and US-based boxing trainer Rodel Mayol told SunStar Cebu.
The 24-year-old Bornea has an impressive career so far. He’s currently rated No. 7 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 in the World Boxing Association (WBA). Some of the best local fighters that he has beaten are Danrick Sumabong, Raul Yu and Salatiel Amit.
This fight should take him to the next level, depending on how he does against Delgadillo.
“This fight is Bornea’s key to show the promoters here in America if he really is a world caliber fighter or if he is just in the Philippines or Asian level. So, this is his most important fight because this is his first stepping stone to a future world title fight,” said Mayol.
The 25-year-old Delgadillo, like Bornea, has fought most of his fights locally, mostly in his native of Dallas. He, however, is coming off a long layoff. His last fight was a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Nate Green in a World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight title defense in 2018, one of the biggest wins of his career.
Despite the hiatus, Mayol isn’t taking Delgadillo lightly as he believes that this is a very competitive fight.
“This is a 50-50 fight that’s why Jade should not allow him to beat him to the punch. He has to dictate the fight to convince the judges,” he said.
Bornea, who fights out of the Sanman Gym in Gen. Santos City, is 14-0 with 10 knockouts, while Delgadillo is 11-0-2 with two knockouts. (EKA)