OMEGA Pro Sports International (OPSI) hosts a two-part “bubble” boxing show Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, that features some of the brightest young talent in the country.
Christian Araneta headlines the evening show, “Kumbati 7,” against Roland Jay Biendema in what should be an exciting 10-round fight at the IPI Complex in Mandaue City.
The 25-year-old Araneta looks to continue his climb up the light flyweight world rankings with a huge win over Biendema, who is a legitimate opponent.
Araneta is currently rated No. 6 in the International Boxing Federation and just needs a few more big wins for a title shot. He sits behind Abraham Rodriguez at No. 5, Sive Nontshinga at No. 4 and Dee-Jay Kriel at No. 3. The current champion is Felix Alvarado.
The 24-year-old Biendema is a tough opponent fighter that has only been knocked out once in his career. He has fought the likes of Samuel Salva, Jayson Mama and unbeaten Japanese prospect Kento Hatanaka.
Araneta is 18-1 with 14 knockouts, while Biendema is 15-6-1 with eight knockouts.
Pete Apolinar (12-1, 8 KOs) is up against Danny Tampipi (9-11-2, 5 KOs) in a 10-round co-feature.
In the “Kumbati 7” undercard, promising super bantamweight Albert Pagara (32-1, 23 KOs) makes his debut under his new promoter MTK Global against journeyman Virgil Puton (18-14-2, 9 KOs), Ifugao sensation Carl Jammes Martin (15-0, 14 KOs) is fighting battle-scarred veteran Richard Rosales (14-13-2, 8 KOs) and Franco Serafica (3-1, 1 KO) takes on Matthew Fondales (1-2).
In the afternoon show, “Kumbati 6,” Tomjune Mangubat (11-2-1, 9 KOs) headlines the show in a 10-rounder against Reymond Empic (7-5, 3 KOs).
The 23-year-old Mangubat looks to bounce back after losing a split decision to Jong Seon Kang in Vietnam last year. He lost two of his last three fights.
Empic, on the other hand, also wants to return to the winning column after losing his last two contests against Brian Lobetania and Rolando Servania.
In the undercard, Regie Suganob (4-0, 1 KO) locks horns with Robert Ates (4-7, 2 KOs), Carlo Bacaro (6-0, 5 KOs) trades leathers with Ryan Maano (5-9-2, 1 KO) and Benny Cañete faces off with fellow debutant Roque Villagonzalo. / EKA