Silvano guns for Phl light flyweight title

CEBU, Philippines - One-time world title challenger Virgilio ‘Maton’ Silvano (17-3-1, 10KOs) of the Omega Boxing Gym hopes to dazzle his hometown fans once again when he battles former amateur standout Mark Anthony Florida (9-3, 4KOs) of Bukidnon for the vacant Philippine light flyweight belt this Friday night at the Dalaguete Sports Complex.

It’s back to the drawing board for Silvano after he lost by unanimous decision to Japanese champion Katsunari Takayama in their IBF minimumweight title match last December 3 at the Bodymaker Coliseum in Osaka, Japan.

Silvano, who has sparred with IBF light flyweight titlist Johnriel Casimero, hopes to bounce back from that debacle and open a new chapter of his career against Florida.

“I have to start from scratch after I failed to capture the world title. This is my chance to regain my confidence and I am aiming for an early knockout victory against him (Florida),” said Silvano in a press conference yesterday at the Omega Gym.

In the supporting main event of the slambang show presented by International Pharmaceuticals Inc., unbeaten Jahleel ‘Maravilla’ Payao (7-0, 5KOs) will take on journeyman Don-Don Jimenea (14-18, 6KOs) of General Santos City for the vacant Philippine super flyweight crown.

Another Omega fighter Charlie Pucdol (5-1,4KOs) will tackle Junnie Salogaol (5-6, 2KOs), while Kenan Villaflor (4-0, 1KO) hopes to stretch his unbeaten record when he fights Richard Rosales (4-2).

The rest of the card features Jerry Castroverde vs. Juny Villacruses; Garry Rojo vs. Michael Kaibigan; and Carlo Demecilio vs. Prex Cabilla. (FREEMAN)