Domingo tells Vorapin, "go, make my day"

CEBU - Both in confident mood, defending champion Michael “Sunday Punch” Domingo (36-14-2, 15KOs) of ALA Boxing Gym and Thai challenger Ratanchai Sor Vorapin (73-10, 49KOs) declared war against each other on the eve of their WBO Oriental bantamweight title fight headlining the historic “Daytime Boxing: Philippines vs. Thailand” card tomorrow at the Cebu Coliseum.

Showtime promptly starts at 9 am and will be broadcast live via satellite in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and other neighboring countries.

“Ako ning adlaw (this is my day),” said Domingo, referring to his surname which means ‘Sunday’ in English, during yesterday’s pre-fight news conference at Cebu Grand Hotel. “He should make up a good showing and I’ll just take care of my own business in the ring. I’m in good shape and in top condition for this fight.”

Domingo will make the first defense of the WBO regional belt he seized with a smashing second round knockout of Indonesian Revo Rengkung last July 26 also at the Coliseum.

Vorapin, who once held the WBO bantamweight championship and lost to reigning titlist Gerry Peñalosa in his previous fight last April 6 in Manila, is unfazed fighting on a foreign territory once again. “ I’m very ready.I’ll be there and beat him on Sunday,” vowed the veteran Thai ring gladiator.

This mark for the first in the annals of Cebu sports that a boxing is being staged in the morning.

“This is a request from Thailand. This is a test and only one of the six shows we are lining up.This could be better for Asia. We’re taking a risk, but this is a good opportunity for the Filipino boxers as well as for Thailand and the rest of Asian boxers,” said revered international promoter Sammy Gello-ani. “ This is also a way to project a good image of boxing.”

In the supporting main event, Joel de la Cruz will go up against former WBA king Somsak Kokietgym of Thailand in a surefire brawl.

“Gipangandaman ko nig maayo mao nga akong paninguhaon nga ako gyuy mudaog kuyog sa pag-ampo sa Ginoo,” said De la Cruz, who is assured of a stint in the United States by Gello-ani if he gets past Somsak.

Before thinking of that, De la Cruz has to work hard first against Somsak, who is poised to give him one hell of a fight.

The rest of the card includes Elmer Colve vs. Amor Tino; Marvin Sonsona vs. John Naimez; Julius Alcos against Nelson Llanos; and female fighter Geremie Tabastabas against Thailand’s lady warrior Usanakorn Kokietgym.

 “Daytime Boxing: Philippine versus Thailand” is presented by SGG Sports Promotions, Kokiet Group of Thailand, City Government of Cebu, Viva Sports, Tanduay, Omega Boxing Gym, Sunriser Motorcycles of the Norkis Group and Cebu Grand Hotel.

Meanwhile, the official weigh-in takes place at 9 am today still at Cebu Grand, the event’s official hotel. (THE FREEMAN)