Engkwentro 8: OPBF champ Gabunilas to fight former flyweight champ Espinas in non-title bout
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The ARQ Boxing Stable stalwarts are ready to rumble for the “Engwkentro 8” fight card on Dec. 20, 2022, at the San Fernando sports complex in south Cebu. ARQ’s strength and conditioning trainer, Roger Potot told CDN Digital that his wards headed by one of their banner boxers, John Paul “The […] The post Engkwentro 8: OPBF champ Gabunilas to fight former flyweight champ Espinas in non-title bout appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Takei, Japan champ, KOs Baldonado in 3rd round, keeps OPBF super bantam belt
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Yoshiki Takei has added Ronnie “Lindol” Baldonado as his second Filipino victim inside the ring after scoring a third round knockout on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in the undercard of Naoya Inoue-Stephen Fulton world title unification bout at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 27-year-old Takei, who is also the […] The post Takei, Japan champ, KOs Baldonado in 3rd round, keeps OPBF super bantam belt appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Gabunilas eyes WBO Youth title fight this year
CEBU CITY, Philippines — John “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas, the prizefighter of ARQ Boxing Stable is hoping to capture the WBO Youth light flyweight title this year. The 22-year-old hard-hitting Cebuano boxer who is the reigning Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Youth light flyweight champion is considered one of the top prospects in the […] The post Gabunilas eyes WBO Youth title fight this year appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Engkwentro 8 a go: Gabunilas, Espinas make weight, ready to rumble for non-title bout
CEBU CITY, Philippines — It’s all systems go for the “Engkwentro 8”slugfest tomorrow, Dec. 20, in San Fernando town, south Cebu as featured boxers passed the official weigh-in on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. The official weigh-in happened at the Vienna Kaffehaus in Cebu City earlier today. The main event protragonists in John Paul “The Destroyer” […] The post Engkwentro 8 a go: Gabunilas, Espinas make weight, ready to rumble for non-title bout appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Gabunilas to fight Espinas in non-title bout in San Fernando on Dec. 20
CEBU CITY, Philippines — ARQ Boxing Promotions will have one of its banner boxers, John Paul Gabunilas, fight in the main event of their stacked fight card on Dec. 20, 2022 at the Municipality of San Fernando gymnasium in southern Cebu. The 22-year-old Gabunilas of Barangay Pardo, Cebu City will be donning his new moniker […] The post Gabunilas to fight Espinas in non-title bout in San Fernando on Dec. 20 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
OPBF prexy: Flyweight champ Raquinel stripped of belt due to inactivity
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Frank Hadley, the president of the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF), answered the accusations of unfairly stripping Jayr Raquinel of his OPBF flyweight title. In a statement from OPBF that was sent to CDN Digital, Hadley said that they decided to declare the OPBF flyweight title vacant due to Raquinel’s inactivity. […] The post OPBF prexy: Flyweight champ Raquinel stripped of belt due to inactivity appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Former Pinoy world champ Malcolm Tuñacao happy working as garbage collector in Japan
Back in 2000, way before the peak of the popularity of Pinoy boxing's biggest names like Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr., and Donnie Nietes, a Cebuano named Malcolm "Eagle Eye" Tuñacao was riding high as the WBC Flyweight World Champion. The then-22-year old Tuñacao defeated and dethroned Thailand's Boonsai Sangsurat to become the WBC's new flyweight king. If fact, it was a young Pacquiao that Sangsurat TKO'd to capture that very title. In 2014, Tuñacao competed in the final fight of his career, a technical decision win over Ryuta Otsuka, to finish with a 35-3-3 professional record with 20 wins via KO/TKO. Now, 20 years after his world title run, Tuñacao is based in Kobe, Japan and works as a garbage collector. While most people would see his current status as a fall from grace - from world champion prize fighter to blue collar employee - Tuñacao is pretty content with where he is in life. Speaking to Chino Trinidad on an episode of Buhay Boksingero, "Eagle Eye" shared how his life has been like after his boxing career. “Okay lang yun, basta ang importante, yung trabaho ko, hindi ako nang-lalamang ng tao, maganda yung trabaho ko, marangal na trabaho. Sa Bisaya, ‘tinarong na trabaho," Tuñacao said of his job. “Importante may trabaho, tapos marangal na trabaho. Para sa akin, masaya na ako sa trabaho ko ngayon eh, hindi mahirap. Wala akong inargabyado na tao, wala akong tinapakan na tao, nag-sisikap ako dito para sa pamilya ko.” Tuñacao said that in Japan, one of the cleanest countries in the world, garbage collectors are seen in a different light than in most other places. “Mataas ang tingin sa amin, sa aming mga basurero…maraming tao na nagbibigay ng tubig, nagbibigay ng pera minsan. Kanina, binigyan kami ng pan (Japanese for bread) tapos kape.” “Yung ibang tao, pag-kita sa aming mga basurero, masaya sila. Nirerespeto kami, yun ang importante," he added. Tuñacao, a native of Mandaue City, says that he owes a lot to Antonio Aldeger, the man behind one of the Philippines' premier boxing stables: ALA Boxing. “Hindi ko makalimutan yung, kasi bata pa ko nag-simula, eight years old, hanggang 38, 30 years ako sa boxing. Hindi ko makalimutan, mahirap yung pinag-daanan ko sa boxing. Kung hindi ako kinuha ni sir [Tony] Aldeguer dati, baka wala na ako.“ He also mentioned Peñalosa as one of the driving forces behind him ultimately turning pro. "Masaya na ako dito sa trabaho ko at nagpapasalamat ako sa mga tao na tumutulong sa akin, lalo na kay Gerry Peñalosa, isa din yun na nakatulong sa akin. Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi ako nag-pro.” Check out the full interview with Tuñacao HERE .....»»
Dante, WBF champ, to fight in Japan in September
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The reigning World Boxing Foundation (WBF) International minimumweight champion Lito “Naruto” Dante will try his luck anew in Japan on September 12, 2023. This as the 33-year-old Dante of Sierra Bullones, Bohol will face an unbeaten Japanese prospect in Takeshi Ishii in an eight-rounder bout in a fight card promoted by The post Dante, WBF champ, to fight in Japan in September appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Santiago earns decision win over Donaire for vacant WBC bantamweight title
Mexico's Alexandro Santiago earned a unanimous 12-round decision over former four-division champion Nonito Donaire on Saturday to claim the vacant World Boxing Council bantamweight world title. Santiago, 27, claimed the first world title of his career as he denied the 40-year-old "Filipino Flash," who was aiming to rebound from a brutal second-round knockout loss to Japan's Naoya Inoue 13 months ago. Donaire, who has held world titles at flyweight, bantamweight, super-bantamweight and featherweight, kept it close in the early going and rocked Santiago with a left hook in the third round. But he couldn't match Santiago's pace as the fight progressed, the Mexican landing a barrage of convincing blows in the ninth round and quickly halting Donaire's momentum in the when the Philippines fighter came out looking to land a big blow. One judge scored the bout 115-113 and the other two saw it 116-112 for Santiago, who improved to 28-3 with five drawn and 14 knockouts. "It's been an honor to fight such a legend like Nonito Donaire," said Santiago, who was brought to tears in the ring as Donaire offered a congratulatory hug in the ring. Donaire fell to 42-8 with 28 knockouts and said he thought he had more go do in the ring. "Disappointed," he admitted, but added: "I feel good still. I love the sport so much." He said he and his wife, Rachel, who trains and manages him, will have a conversation to "see where we go from there. "But I know I felt good," he said. "There were just some things that didn't trigger." Was that because he's 40 years old, Donaire was asked. "I say 'Hell no' to that," he said. The fight at T-Mobile Arena was on the undercard of the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification bout between unbeaten Americans Errol Spence and Terence Crawford. bb/sev © Agence France-Presse The post Santiago earns decision win over Donaire for vacant WBC bantamweight title appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ARQ Boxing: Gabunilas-Fajardo OPBF duel not yet final
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Contrary to report that came out earlier this week, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight title showdown between ARQ Boxing Stable’s John Paul “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas and fellow prospect Miel “Silent Assassin” Fajardo have not been approved yet. This was announced by ARQ Boxing Stable’s strength and […] The post ARQ Boxing: Gabunilas-Fajardo OPBF duel not yet final appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Apolinario, IBO flyweight champ, to fight in Japan
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) world flyweight champion Dave “Dobermann” Apolinario will soon take his talent to the thriving Japanese boxing scene. This was after, Sanman Boxing Gym, the handler of Apolinario officially announced that the latter signed a co-promotional agreement with the Japan-based Ohashi Promotions. READ: Dave Apolinario plunges […] The post Apolinario, IBO flyweight champ, to fight in Japan appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Piala, Alberca make weight, ready to fight in Engkwentro 10 mainer in San Fernando
CEBU CITY, Philippines — ARQ Boxing Stable’s Rodex “War Machine” Piala and Alan Alberca are ready to trade leathers in the main event of “Engkwentro 10” of the ARQ Sports after passing the official weigh-in on Friday. The non-title bout is scheduled for 10 rounds will be held at the San Fernando Municipal Sports Complex, […] The post Piala, Alberca make weight, ready to fight in Engkwentro 10 mainer in San Fernando appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Gabunilas clinches WBO AsPac youth title via TKO victory vs. Indonesian foe
CEBU CITY, Philippines—- Hard-hitting Cebuano prospect John Paul “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas wrested the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific youth flyweight title by beating Indonesian Wandi Priman Hulu via a sixth round technical knockout in the main event of “Engkwentro 9” of the ARQ Sports at the Talisay City Sports Complex on Friday evening. […] The post Gabunilas clinches WBO AsPac youth title via TKO victory vs. Indonesian foe appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Engkwentro 9: Confident Gabunilas promises entertaining fight against Indonesia foe
CEBU CITY, Philippines —ARQ Boxing Stable’s John Paul “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas promises a highly-entertaining fight against Indonesian Wandi Priman Hulu in the main event of “Engkwentro 9” fight card tomorrow, March 24, at the Talisay City sports complex, south Cebu. Gabunilas, one of ARQ’s banner boxers, expressed his confidence in winning the bout in […] The post Engkwentro 9: Confident Gabunilas promises entertaining fight against Indonesia foe appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Wenceslao pulls out of Engkwentro 9, to fight for WBF title in South Africa
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Rodel “The Hulk” Wenceslao the hard-hitting welterweight prospect of the ARQ Boxing Stable is pulling out from his scheduled bout in the “Engkwentro 9” fight card on March 24, 2023, in Talisay City. This was after he accepted a bigger offer to fight in South Africa. The 29-year-old Wenceslao will fight […] The post Wenceslao pulls out of Engkwentro 9, to fight for WBF title in South Africa appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Cataraja fights for OPBF super fly crown in February
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Unbeaten Cebuano world-ranked prospect Kevin Jake Cataraja will face an equally lethal foe for the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight title on February 11, 2023, in General Santos City. This will be Cataraja’s first fight since August after he scored a first-round knockout against Ronel Dela Cruz […] The post Cataraja fights for OPBF super fly crown in February appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Former champ Belingon believes teammate Loman can beat Fernandes in upcoming ONE bout
In a bout that could possibly be a title eliminator for the division, Belingon said that ONE newcomer Loman looks primed to beat his long-time rival......»»
‘Angas ng Cebu’ Gabunilas has opponent for Oct. 15 fight
CEBU CITY, Philippines—World Boxing Council (WBC) Asian Boxing Council No. 2 ranked minimumweight John Paul “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas found a suitable opponent for his bout in the undercard of “Engkwentro VII” on October 15, 2022 at the Consolacion Sports Complex in Consolacion town, northern Cebu. The 22-year-old hard-hitting Gabunilas of Barangay Pardo, Cebu City […] The post ‘Angas ng Cebu’ Gabunilas has opponent for Oct. 15 fight appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Apolinario now in South Africa for first fight abroad
CEBU CITY, Philippines—World-rated Dave “Dobermann” Apolinario and his team arrived in East London, South Africa for his July 29, 2022 bout against African Gideon Buthelezi for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) world flyweight title. Apolinario was accompanied in South Africa by his trainers, his manager Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil of Sanman Boxing Gym, and […] The post Apolinario now in South Africa for first fight abroad appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Magramo, Abcede to fight for vacant OPBF flyweight title in October
CEBU CITY, Philippines—- The Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) orders Giemel “Pistolero” Magramo and Jaysever “Lion Hearted” Abcede to fight for the vacant OPBF flyweight title in October 2. Both boxers are coming off from an 11-month hiatus. The fight’s official venue has yet to be announced. Arnie Najera, OPBF coordinator and international judge, announced […] The post Magramo, Abcede to fight for vacant OPBF flyweight title in October appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Pinoy boxer Carlo Paalam defeats Olympic champ, bags 4th medal for PH
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 03 August) – Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam ousted Olympic champion Shakhobidin Zoirov in their flyweight quarterfinal bout on Tuesday and assured himself of at least a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Paalam, unfazed by Zoiro’s credential as a gold medalist in the Rio Olympics, initiated the exchanges from the first […].....»»