UNBEATEN Cebuano prospect KJ Cataraja faces yet another veteran as he fights two-time regional champion Cris Alfante in an eight-rounder on July 18 at the Tabunok Sports Complex in Talisay City, Cebu City.
The 26-year-old Cataraja last fought two-time world title challenger John Mark Apolinario on Dec. 17, 2020 in Gen. Santos City. Cataraja made quick work of Apolinario and knocked him out in the first round with a wicked left hook to the body.
Alfante is as tough as they come. He has only been stopped thrice in his career and has fought some of the best in his division. He has shared the ring with the likes of current World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight king Thammanoon Niyomtrong, former World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight champion Diago Higa, ex-International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight titleholder Florante Condes and former WBA super flyweight titlist Andrew Moloney.
Alfante last saw action on Dec. 16, 2019 in Kazakhstan. He dropped a lopsided unanimous decision to Yelshat Nikhemttolla.
Cataraja must win this fight because he’s rising up in the world rankings and is closing in on a world title shot. He’s currently the No. 12 ranked super flyweight by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and needs a huge win to move up in ranks.
Cataraja, a former amateur standout, is 12-0 with 10 knockouts, while Alfante is 17-8-1 with nine knockouts.
One-time world title challenger Melvin Jerusalem (16-2, 10 KOs) slugs it out with Toto Landero (11-5-2, 2 KOs) in a rematch for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) minimumweight belt in the main event of the boxing show promoted by Sanman Promotions and ZIP Boxing. (EKA)