IDOL’ boxing series debuts tonight

‘CEBU, Philippines - The 'IDOL' television boxing series presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports will make its maiden voyage tonight at the Escalante City Coliseum in Negros Occidental featuring two undefeated ALA fighters against Indonesian foes.

Super flyweight prospect Melvin ‘Topgun’ Gumban and super bantamweight contender Mark Bernaldez are out to prove they are worthy to be part of ALA Gym’s elite list of world title hopefuls when they tackle John Bajawa and Marangin "Dinamita" Marbun, respectively.

“They are both in excellent condition for this fight. I expect that they will deliver knockout wins against their foreign opponents,” said ALA chief trainer Edito ‘ALA’ Villamor.

“Gumban and Bernaldez have the potentials, but they still have to answer the challenge if they have what it takes to go big time. This is the time that they can put their hardwork in the gym to use,” he added.

The 23-year-old Gumban (14-0, 6KOs) hopes to make an impression before his hometown fans in Escalante as he collides Bajawa, who sports an 11-4 win-loss record spiked with 6KOs.

Gumban, who pulled off a lopsided unanimous decision victory against Fernando Ocon in his previous bout last May 4 at the Mandaue City Plaza Square, is confident that he will pass his first acid test against a foreign opponent with flying colors.

For his part, Bernaldez (10-0, 6KOs) will face Marbun (12-10, 9KOs), a veteran Idon slugger who once fought against retired ALA boxer Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista.

This is the second time that Bernaldez will go up against an Indon rival after his masterful second round stoppage of Arief Blader last April 20 at the  University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) gymnasium in Davao City.

In the supporting bouts of the inaugural "IDOL" show, Ralph Lulu (8-0,3KOs) and Jessel Mark Magsayo (2-0, 2KOs) will try to extend their winning streak when they battle Ronerex Dalut (8-11, 2KOs) and John Rey Melligen (2-0, 1KO), respectively.

The rest of the card features Richard Barrios vs. Ryan Canillas; Kim Galon vs. Rico Eugis; Japanese Kazuma Ejiri vs. Jerome Baja; Geo Santisima vs. Roniel Parcon; and Raul Yu vs. Diomedes Semella.

The newest boxing series will feature the new generation of ring stars who will showcase their talents anchored on a common goal of becoming the country's next world champions.

Aside from showing their bouts, 'IDOL' will also touch on their humble beginnings in their respective provinces where they began their dreams of being a boxer. (FREEMAN)