CEBU, Philippines — 'Matira ang matibay (Only the strong will survive).'
This is how international promoter Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde, Jr. projects the World Boxing Organization regional title bout between defending champion Joe Marie "Jaw Breaker" Noynay (13-2-1, 4KOs) and Mexican challenger Hector “Guadana” Garcia (12-6-2, 7KOs) topbilling the "Fight for Honor and Pride" card tonight at the Don Celestino Martinez, Sr. Sports and Cultural Center in Bogo City north of Cebu.
Scheduled for 12 rounds, the 22-year-old Noynay will put his WBO Asia Pacific Youth super featherweight throne on the line before his hometown fans.
"Etong Mexican, di' magpatalo. Lalo na mang hindi magpatalo si Noynay," said Bebot Elorde, son of Bogo's national treasure - the late boxing legend Gabriel "Flash" Elorde. "Kaya patayan ang laban na 'to. Matira ang matibay."
Surely the fans could expect war as Garcia has earlier said that losing is not an option for him as he traveled far and wide just for this fight, even vowing to finish off Noynay within six rounds.
Noynay, for his part, remains calm before the storm.
"I could not say at this point if I am going to knock him out," said Noynay, who hails from Barangay Nailon. "I will just give my best and do whatever it takes to win this match."
"This could be my ticket to a world title fight and I won't waste this opportunity," he added.
Noynay snared the vacant WBO Youth crown via an 8th round technical decision against Jin Xiang Pan on December 16 last year at the Zhongshan Sports Arena in Zhongshan, China.
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 trade fistic bombs with Renoel Pael of Inayawan, Cebu City in an non-title bout scheduled for eight rounds.
Before the showdown of pros, several amateur bouts have been lined up to entertain the crowd.