BEN Ligas and Genisis Libranza battle for the Philippine Games and Amusements Board (GAB) flyweight title Thursday night, March 30, 2023, at the Balon Bayambang Events Center in Bayambang, Pangasinan.
The 24-year-old Ligas is eager to bounce back after losing his last fight. He lost by unanimous decision the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight belt to Olimjon Nazarov.
Ligas went 1-1 last year after a split-decision loss to April Jay Abne and a unanimous decision win over Roland Jay Biendima.
Meanwhile, Libranza is returning from a long layoff. He hasn’t fought a fight since Feb. 27, 2021 after knocking out former world title challenger John Mark Apolinario in a single round.
Ligas tipped the scales at 111.4 pounds, while Libranza weighed in on the flyweight limit at 112 pounds.
Ligas is 14-3-2 with nine knockouts, while Libranza is 20-1 with 12 knockouts.
In the undercard, 23-year-old super bantamweight prospect Gary Tamayo (8-1, 4 KOs) is tested against veteran former world title challenger Ardin Diale (35-17-4, 17 KOs), experienced Roy Sumugat (14-13-1, 7 KOs) locks horns with Richard Bulacan (8-2, 6 KOs), Jonniel Laurente (6-0-1, 4 KOs) slugs it out with battle-scarred veteran Pablito Canada (8-22-5, 2 KOs), Enrique Magsalin (7-4-2, 1 KOs) trades leathers with Jeffrey Concerman (4-1, 1 KO), Jonathan Almacen (7-6-3, 2 KOs) squares off with Jeven Villacite (4-5-4, 1 KO), Jonathan Francisco (10-19-1, 4 KOs) is fighting Andrew Palas (5-7-1, 2 KOs), MJ Uduna (6-1-2, 2 KOs) faces off with journeyman JR Magboo (18-8-2, 9 KOs), Fernando Tagpuno Jr. (3-2, 3 KOs) clashes with Melchor Roda (4-2, 4 KOs), Clarence Breboneria (3-2, 2 KOs) exchanges blows with Orlandino Sinaloba (2-5, 1 KO), Harry Omac (5-1-1, 2 KOs) battles Wenlyn Rosales (2-4, 1 KO), Henry Lumanan (1-3) takes on Anthony Trebucio (0-3), Ernie Samoyag faces fellow newcomer Jake Rosal, Ronerick Ballesteros is up against Michael Orano and Christian Legane (1-0-1) opens up the show against John Vicent Lauriaga (0-2). (EKA)