Laurente, Elorde brods fight tonight

MANILA, Philippines - Another edition of Boxing Kontra Droga will be presented by Johnny Elorde Management International in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Manila 101 today, starting at 5 p.m., at The Flash Grandballroom of the Elorde Sports Center on Sucat Road, Parañaque.

World-rated and former Orient champion Dennis Laurente will see action against tough Thai Kompikat Sitsaitong in a 10-rounder which will serve as Laurente’s tuneup for his fight in Las Vegas in the boxing card promoted by Bob Arum of Top Rank Promotions in November.

Laurente hopes to improve his rating to get a shot at a world crown. He has been campaigning the past two years in America where he won his last six fights.

The event, which carries 11 bouts all supervised by the Games and Amusements Board, is sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Phil. Amusements and Gaming Corp, Smart Communications, Family Rubbing Alcohol, Gatorade, Tanduay, Southpaw Bar and Grill, Bai and Mig Party Favors and the Elorde Sports Center.

Supporting the card is the fight of Juan Martin ““Bai” Elorde, grandson of Gabriel “Flash”Elorde. The young Elorde, undefeated in his 10 outings, will appear in an eight-round bout against Sahasawat Khaedon of Thailand.

The young Elorde is set to join Manny Pacquiao in the latter’s training in Baguio and the US after Pacquiao assured Elorde of a slot in the undercard of his fight against Antonio Margarito in Texas Nov. 13.

“I am thankful to kuya Manny for giving me the chance to appear in the undercard of his fight. This is a great opportunity and I will do all I can not to disappoint him and our countrymen. I am also dedicating my debut fight abroad to my Lolo Bai,” said the Elorde grandson.

World International Boxing Association miniflyweight champion Gretchen Abaniel will also see action against Nongbua Lookpraiaree in another tenner which will give the crowd a good glimpse of women’s boxing at its best.

Abaniel, is also scheduled to fight in the US sometime in December.

Juan Miguel “Mig” Elorde, the younger brother of Juan Martin, is also undefeated in his seven fights going into his scheduled six-round bout with Richard Vasquez of Libon, Albay.

Details: 8264463, 8259385, 09228507174.