BobPac seeks redemption today Lunas to defend OPBF belt

Bobby “The Sniper” Pacquiao (28-14-3, 13KOs), still lurking under shadows of his extremely popular brother Manny Pacquiao, opens a new chapter in his career as he goes up against Thai Decho Bankluaygym (28-10-2, 19KOs) in a 12-round ring war for the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific lightweight title headlining the explosive “Road to Redemption” card tonight at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel.

And as the main theme of the slambang event suggests, BobPac is seeking no less than redemption as he lost three of his last four fights, including an embarrassing first round KO to the undefeated Mexican star Urbano Antillon last March 13 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Even his renowned trainer Buboy Fernandez has declared that BobPac can’t afford to lose against the Thai visitor as his ward is booked for a more lucrative fight, perhaps for a world crown, either late September or early October.

On a personal note, BobPac has other business to settle as he is still hunting for that elusive victory here in the Queen City of the South. He has already fought three times in Cebu but dropped all of them against Jimrex Jaca by first round stoppage and twice against Raffy Aladi both by unanimous decision over 10 heats.

Bankluaygym, on the other hand, is coming off back-to-back wins, the latest was by unanimous decision over compatriot Yokkeo Sor Poonsawat last April 15 at Pla-Pak School in Nakhon Panom, Thailand. He slugged it out against a Pinoy once, losing by unanimous verdict to the now semi-retired Boholano Czar Amonsot on March 18, 2006 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

In the supporting main event, Japan-based Filipino slugger Rolly Matsushita Lunas (24-6-1, 14KOs)  will risk his OPBF bantamweight throne against another Thai crown pretender in Kaonah Klongpajol.

This will be Lunas’ third defense of the OPBF he seized by beating former WBC flyweight titlist Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tuñacao by 10th round technical decision on January 13 last year at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. In his previous defense, Lunas stopped Indonesian Aldo Hummer in just one round last January 27 at the Ishikawa Sangyo Hall in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.

In the other must-see bout of the action-packed show presented by MP Promotions in association with Rex “Wakee” Salud Promotions International, Mexican super featherweight prospect David Rodela will trade mitts with Philippine 135-pound champion Arnel Porras of Kidapawan, North Cotabato.

Unknown to many, Rodela is a regular sparring partner of Manny Pacquiao in Pacman’s blockbuster fights against Mexican greats Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

“I’ve learned a lot from Manny Pacquiao, most especially on how to cover my head and toughen up my defense because he hits very, very hard,” said Rodela.

The rest of the matches pit Darryl Pucdol of Lapu-Lapu City vs. Jaime Barcelona of Valencia, Bukidnon, Jetly Purisima of General Santos City vs. Roilo Golez of Bukidnon, Ryan Tampus of Cebu vs. Ghing Daculiat of Manila, Esrael Salud of Cebu vs. Mark Anthony of Bukidnon, and Marlon Alta of General Santos City vs. William George of Bukidnon.

Tickets are reasonably priced at P300 for balcony/general admission, P500 for ringside, and P1,000 for VIP seats.