Laurente out for revenge vs Indon foe

Philippine champion Dennis Laurente is out to exact revenge when he battles Indonesian Ferdinan in his first defense of the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight crown in the "War at the Casino" on June 15 at the Casino Filipino in Paranaque City.

"Pagsisikapan kong makabawi kay Ferdinan sa larong ito. Malakas ang straight niya at hindi basta-bastang boksingero, pero iba rin iyong laban sa sarili mong bansa," said Laurente.

"Medyo kabisado ko na ang estilo niya, kaya malaki ang tiwala kong manalo sa kanya kahit mas mababa ako sa kanya," he added.

Laurente, 26, from Palumpon, Leyte, lost via a hometown decision when they met in Jakarta in a scheduled 10-round bout last year.

Last November, Laurente was given a crack at the OPBF crown and won it over defending champion Yosuke Otsuka of Japan.

Laurente has a ring record of 17-2-2, 10 by knockout.

The Filipino’s title defense is the first of a three-in-one grudge match also pitting Philippine No. 1 contender Fernando Sagrado against No. 2 contender Jeff Malcolm of Australia for the WBA-Pan Asia welterweight championship.

Promoter Johnny Elorde said a win by Laurente will give the Filipino a chance to fight in Japan and eventually challenge for the world lightweight crown.

Ferdinan is set to arrive Tuesday with his trainer and manager from Indonesia, while Malcolm arrived yesterday from Australia for the P2.5 million event supported by Pagcor, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Family Rubbing Alcohol, San Miguel Beer, Department of Tourism, LandBank, Grand Boulevard Hotel, Bai and Mig Party Favors, Elorde Sporting Goods and Elorde Sports Center.

The third mainer in the 70-round card which also features an 8-rounder, a 6-rounder and four 4-rounders is the Philippine junior lightweight championship between Bobby Pacquiao, PBF champion and younger brother of world champion Manny, and No. 2 contender Renato Inal of the Elorde Gym.

Tickets are pegged at P200, P300, P500, P1,000 and P2,000 and are available at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat Paranaque (tel. 8209543 or 826-64463), Swagman Hotel (523-8541) and all Casino Filipino Gaming areas at the Heritage Hotel, Grand Boulevard Hotel, and Holiday Inn concierge department.