Tuñacao, 25, is in line to challenge WBC champion Masamori Tokuyama. A loss to Jaguar will crush his hopes of avenging best friend Gerry Peñalosa’s twin losses to Tokuyama and capturing a second world crown. Tuñacao is rated No. 4 in the 115-pound division by the WBC.
Promoter Gabriel (Bebot) Elorde said Tuñacao’s original opponent Ali Rohmat backed out after suffering a cut in a sparring session in Jakarta a few days ago. Elorde, however, did not rule out a ruse by Indonesian matchmaker Eric Pirrih and suspected the late switch was engineered to throw off Tuñacao’s fight plan.
Tuñacao sparred over 100 rounds preparing for Rohmat whose style he has studied carefully after consulting with the Indonesian’s Filipino victim Lee Escobido. He said he knows nothing about Jaguar but was ready to overcome any obstacle blocking his path to a crack at Tokuyama’s throne.
Peñalosa, who retired after his second loss to Tokuyama last year, now supervises Tuñacao’s workouts with trainer Ting Velasquez. Peñalosa predicted Tuñacao would knock out Jaguar within five to eight rounds.
Jaguar, 21, is the Indonesian superflyweight champion and claims an unconfirmed record of 24-4-1, with 13 KOs. Last May, he lost to Filipino Celso Danggud on points in Jakarta.
Jaguar and manager Sam Tancho arrived from Jakarta last Tuesday. Elorde said he was informed of the switch only when they flew in, hinting that Pirrih’s plan was to bring in Jaguar–not Rohmat–all along.
In the companion main event, WBC International minimumweight titlist Ernesto Rubillar makes the third defense of his crown against up-and-coming former WBC Youth lightflyweight champion Arman de la Cruz.
Rubillar, 32, is coming off back-to-back losses in Jakarta and faces a must-win situation. He fell to No. 11 in the latest WBC ratings because of his recent skid. A decisive win over de la Cruz will likely catapult Rubillar back into the top 10.
De la Cruz, 19, created a stir when he stopped highly-regarded Sarikalek Ekarin of Thailand in the third round to wrest the WBC Youth diadem in Roi-Et last March. Sarikalek decisioned de la Cruz to regain the crown in a rematch three months later.
De la Cruz isn’t only after Rubillar’s WBC title but he’s also out for revenge. In November last year, de la Cruz lost to Rubillar’s younger brother Juanito–the WBC’s No. 1 lightflyweight contender–on points. He’d like nothing better than to avenge the setback by winning tonight.
Rubillar’s original opponent Iwan Key of Indonesia also withdrew at short notice. Elorde was left holding the bag after no replacement was sent by Pirrih. There was no explanation for the late pullout but Elorde speculated it was because of Rubillar’s intimidating credentials. Elorde called the switch a blessing in disguise. "Kung takot si Key kay Rubillar, si de la Cruz hindi," said Elorde. "Matapang si de la Cruz. He won’t back off from Rubillar. He’s coming to fight."
The focus of attention will be on Tuñacao who reigned briefly as WBC flyweight champion. He is now estranged from his manager Rex (Wakee) Salud although their contract does not expire until December. It will be Tuñacao’s first fight as a pro with his amateur trainer Velasquez in his corner.
Tuñacao credited Velasquez and Peñalosa for putting him back on track as he has been inactive for 10 months because of his misunderstanding with Salud. He said Peñalosa checks on his diet, using nutritionist Dr. Sanirose Orbeta’s formula, and supervises his training with Velasquez. Peñalosa said Tuñacao is stronger, more determined and sturdier than ever.
"Mag-ingat si Jaguar at baka siya ang gawing pulutan ni Malcolm," said Peñalosa.
Tuñacao is guaranteed P60,000 for tonight’s fight–a purse that’s a far cry from the $40,000 he earned in his second WBC title defense against Pongsaklek Wonjongkam two years ago. But for Tuñacao, money isn’t the issue. He’s fighting for pride and the honor of once more reigning as world champion.