SUPER featherweight prospect Tomjune Mangubat isn't at all intimidated but rather thrilled with the opportunity of facing former Olympian Charly Suarez in a World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia super featherweight title fight on March 5, 2022 in Paranaque City.
"I'm thrilled that I'll be able to fight an Olympian, a fighter that already has a name," Mangubat said in a video conference call Jan. 20.
The 24-year-old Mangubat is ready for whatever the talented Suarez will bring to the table. They are also prepared for a 12-round fight even though the regional title fight is scheduled as a 10-rounder.
"We always prepare for extra rounds. When we fight for eight rounds, we train for 10. When we fight for 10 rounds, we train for 12. We are always a step ahead," said Mangubat's coach, Jinggoy Junco. "If Charly bangs, then there's a huge chance that we will win. We are also ready if he decides to backpedal. If he decides to brawl, then we think we have a huge chance because Tomjune is the bigger fighter. If we get knocked out, we get knocked out. What we want is a fight."
The 33-year-old Suarez showed in his most recent fight that he can brawl and take punches after trading heavy blows with previously unbeaten Delmar Pellio on Dec. 4, 2021.
Mangubat is sparring with the likes of Pete Apolinar, Carlo Bacaro and Franco Serafica, who's a former sparring partner of Suarez in Manila.
After losing to Jong Seon Kang in 2019, Mangubat won his next four fights that included a win over fellow prospect Allan Villanueva, who he knocked out in seven rounds.
Mangubat is 15-2-1 with 12 knockouts, while Suarez, a 2016 Olympian, is 9-0 with six knockouts.
Also scheduled to see action in the stacked card, co-promoted by VSP Promotions and Omega Sports Promotions, is Mangubat's teammate Bacaro. His opponent is yet to be determined.