Arq’s first triple championship card: Macado, Ian Abne shoot for first titles in budding career
CEBU, Philippines — For the first time since its inception three years ago, ARQ Sports Promotions is staging not just one, not two, but three title fights.
What makes the historic show more important is that two of ARQ’s prized boxers in Ramil “The Sharp” Macado Jr. and Ian Paul “Assassin” Abne are shooting for their first career belts in the highly anticipated “Engkwentro 13 sa Mandaue” today at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
Showtime begins at 5 p.m. and is open to the public for free.
In the main attraction of the slam-bang spectacle supported by Mandaue LGU headed by mayor Jonas Cortes and vice mayor Glenn Bercede as part of the city’s fiesta celebration, Macado will face Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) flyweight king Lawrence “Shotgun” Dumam-ag in a 12-round rumble for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental 112-pound crown.
It’s an exciting match-up of undefeated prospects.
Macado from Marbel, South Cotabato sports a perfect 8-0 record with 4KOs, while Dumam-ag of Mandaluyong City’s El Tigre Gym is similarly impressive with a 9-0-1 slate with 6KOs.
“Grabi ka-importante ning awaya kay mao ni ako stepping stone padung sa taas,” said the 27-year-old Macado. “Confident ug ready na kaayo ko, 110 percent. Dag-on gyud nako ni.”
In the co-main event, former two-time world champion Vic “Vicious” Saludar (24-6, 14KOs) will clash with Sanchai Yotboon (14-7, 9KOs) of Thailand for the WBO Oriental minimumweight strap.
On the other hand, the World Boxing Council (WBC) rated no. 31 Ian Abne will lock horns with Darwin “Cool Boy” Boyones of Biñan City, Laguna for the PBF light flyweight title.
“Dugay nako sa world rankings pero wa pa gyud koy title mao nang ako buhaton tanan kutob sa akong mahimo aron modaog,” said Abne, the younger brother of OPBF Silver flyweight champ April Jay “Astroboy” Abne.
In a special attraction featuring lady boxers, Casey Croft of California, USA will slug it out with Thai Peeyalulax Sanpokang in a six-rounder duel under the junior bantamweight class.
In rest of the bouts pit Reil Gabunilas vs. Ronald Ewikan, Ramil Roda vs. Isagani Saludar, Raffie Jamero vs Jhon Ver Espra, and John Magos vs Grant Elorza. (CEBU NEWS)
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