CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano boxing champion Joe Marie "Jaw Breaker' Noynay (13-2-1, 4KOs) is itching to put on a show when he defends his WBO Asia Pacific Youth super featherweight title against Mexican challenger Hector “Guadana” Garcia (12-6-2, 7KOs) before his hometown fans this Saturyday night at the Don Celestino Martinez, Sr. Sports and Cultural Center in Bogo City north of Cebu.
Noynay though was reluctant to predict knockout, saying he will just give his all-out best not to let his provincemates down in the main event of "For Honor and Pride" fightcard bankrolled by Bogo LGU in partnership with Cebu Province under the leadership of Governor Hilario 'Junjun' Davide III, the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC), and Elorde International Promotions.
"Excited kaayo ko kay gusto nako nga makakita ang ako mga kababayan sa ako dinuwaan ug ma-proud sila nako," said Noynay, who hails from Barangay Nailon, in a press conference yesterday at Rajah Park Hotel. "Importante sab kaayo nako ning awaya kay mao ni akong stepping stone para sa usa ka world title fight."
Though heavily favored, Noynay must be extra careful as the 23-year-old Garcia has other things in mind.
"Losing is not an option because I came a long way for this fight. I have a feeling that I will bring the title with me to Mexico," said Garcia, who has sparred with former world champion and one-time Manny Pacquiao for Hector Velasquez as part of his rigid training regimen that lasted for four months.
"I think he (Noynay) won't last six rounds," added the brazen Mexican through an interpreter.
In the face of Garcia's verbal jabs, Noynay kept his cool. He will let his fists do the talking come the big day.
"Kon mao na ang iyang saad, ako dili lang ko mosaad og knockout. Dili ko mobuhi og katapusang sulti pero akong buhaton ang tanan para madepensaan nako ang akong bakus," said Noynay, who won the vacant title via an 8th round technical decision against Jin Xiang Pan on December 16 last year at the Zhongshan Sports Arena in Zhongshan, China.
The 22-year-old southpaw is also a former WBC ABCO Silver featherweight and WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council super bantamweight titleholder.
Garcia, on the other hand, won his last fight by a unanimous decision over compatriot Carlos Octavio Guardado last November 11 at the Auditorio Ernesto Rufo in Rosarito.
In the supporting main event, reigning WBC ABCO Continental flyweight champion Cris Alfante of Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte will slug it out with Renol Pael of Inayawan, Cebu City in a non-title bout scheduled for eight rounds.
Meanwhile, former Bogo City mayor Junnie Martinez, one of the primovers of the slambang event, said they are very proud to host the first ever regional championship bout outside of Metro Cebu and hopes that this would be a big leap to their planned pro boxing revival in nothern Cebu.
For his part, Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) Executive Director Ramil Abing said they are very supportive to this particular endeavor because it is in line with their grassroots sports development program.