World Slasher Cup unwraps at Big Dome

MANILA, Philippines – The World Slasher Cup eight-cock international derby begins today with more than 100 matches lined up in what promises to be a thrilling showdown between the top local and international breeders at the Araneta Coliseum.

The event is set at 2 p.m. with a record crowd of gamefowl breeders and derby aficionados expected in the affair hosted by the Pintakasi of Champions and sponsored by Thunderbird Bexan and Sagupaan Complexor 3000.

“The best cocks in the world fight it out here,” Jorge Araneta of the organizing Araneta Coliseum said. “We have elevated cockfighting to the level of importance that it deserves. It’s the world series of cockfighting.”

Leading the roster of competitors are defending champions MJRG group of Rolly Gabon, Martin Barla, Joe Carcillar and Robert Te, Spoiled Sa Amo of Rodel Costales and Benson Chua, and Cucamonga of Jorge Torres and Claude Bautista.

Heading the foreign contingent are Wilbert LeBlanc and Richard Harris of Louisiana, Richard McCormick of Canada, Roger Roberts of Georgia, Chuck Berry of Oklahoma, Brad Padgette of Oregon, Damon Yorkman of Kentucky, Karl Casco of Hawaii, Thomas Mischkus of Germany, Brian Corkren of Alabama and Kiana Borovies of Hawaii, Mike Formosa of Hawaii, Jorge Goitia of California, Arthur Rhodes of Tenessee and Ray Alexander of Alabama.

Also in the fold are the Malaysian Group, Sigfrey Linsangan and Mar Gatmaitan of Guam, Henry Navarro and Babay Evangelista of California, Ric Cabullos of Canada, Cesar Ancaya, Rene Moraga and Glen Ferrer of San Diego, Warlito Raquel of Hawaii, Joey Melendres of Australia, and Zosimo Antivo of Las Vegas. 

The locals will be led by Nene Araneta with his Thunderbird entry, Sonny Lagon, Biboy Enriquez, Patrick Antonio, Chavit Singson, Jezry Palmares, Otic Geroso, Joe Laureno, Eddie Araneta and Thunderbird Winning Team standouts Boy Marzo, Rey Briones, Boy Lechon, Dicky Lim, Cito Alberto, and Honey Yu.