Laurente duels Thai pug tonight

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Thailand bring their boxing rivalry to a higher level as they slug it out tonight in the “War at the Casino” at the Midas Hotel and Casino Tent on Roxas Blvd., Manila.

Eight matches are on tap in the event presented by International promoter Johnny Elorde, Gatorade and Midas Hotel with Philippine champion Dennis Laurente taking on a tough Manopnoi Singmanassak for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Junior middleweight championship.

Laurente is seeking an all-important win in a bid to get back into the Top 10 ranking of the World Boxing Council.

Manny Pacquiao also promised him a slot in the underrcad of his fight against Brandon Rios in Macau come Nov. 24.

The event also serves as part of the advocacy “Boxing Kontra Droga” of the city government of Pasay with Rep. Emi Calixto Rubiano and Mayor Toni Calixto and the Rotary Club of Manila 101 to encourage the youth to get involved in sports and shy away from the use of illegal drugs.