Explosive boxing spectacle to spice up Sinulog festival

The tradition lives on.

As part of ALA Boxing Gym's annual tribute to Cebu's beloved patron Señor Sto. Niño, international promoter Sammy Gello-ani will present another explosive Sinulog boxing show that is open to the public for free this Sunday evening at the Gaisano Countrymall carpark.

The IBF ranked No.13 light flyweight contender Bert Batawang of SGG Stable is expected to figure in a grudge rematch of ageless ring gladiators against Flash Villacura of Davao City in the main event scheduled for 10 rounds.

Batawang (39-12-3, 32KOs) is already 35 years old and Villacura (21-15-1, 10KOs) 34, but they continue to defy Father Time with impressive performances in their latest fights.

During their first encounter, Batawang stopped Villacura in round six to win the PBF jr flyweight crown on October 24, 2001 in Baccangga, Davao del Sur.

Following his loss to Batawang, Villacura suffered two more defeats, but plunged back on hot comeback trail by hurdling his last two matches highlighted by a spectacular second round stoppage of Cagayan de Oro's Rolando Baclayo on August 16 last year at the Rizal Park in Davao.

Batawang is even sharper, winning his last three ring appearances within the distance. He stopped Noel Veronque in round two, decked Robert Rubillar in round three and then pulled off a stunning first round KO of Rey Orais on December 8 last year at the Talisay City Sports Complex.

So far, Batawang fumbled only once in eight fights since he hooked up with Gello-ani in late 2004 - a second round TKO to Japanese Hiroyuki Hisataka on December 3, 2005 at the Central Hall in Osaka, Japan.

In another 10-round attraction, former Philippine flyweight title-holder Federico Catubay will clash with Pingping Tepura, while Rogen Flores takes on Nelson Llanos and Rasheid Bacus slugs it out with Tata Recablanca in a pair of eight-rounders.

The rest of the exciting card pits Gil Melligen versus Ricky Sismundo, Nic Banal against Ranie Pamatian and Mark John Yap opposite Daryl Amoncio.

Viva Hot Babes Carla Samonte and Maricar Deniega, who will sashay as the Tanduay round girls, will surely spice up the slambang show that will be broadcast on the weekly boxing show "The Main Event" every Sunday at 2 pm on RPN 9.

Meanwhile, Thai boxer Terdkiat Jandaeng will arrive in Cebu at 8:00 tonight for his showdown with ALA teenage sensation AJ "Bazooka" Banal this Saturday at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.