Pagsabungan, Babag 2 boxers shine in Villamor Boxing grassroots fight card
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Boxers from Barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue and Babag 2, Lapu-Lapu City put up a good performance in the amateur boxing monthly grassroots fight card of the Villamor Boxing Gym in Mandaue City on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Pagsabungan and Babag 2 each bagged three wins in the 16-bout fight card backed by the PMI […] The post Pagsabungan, Babag 2 boxers shine in Villamor Boxing grassroots fight card appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Young boxers from Sarok BG, Cebu City, Carcar shine in Villamor grassroots tilt
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Young boxers from the Sarok Boxing Gym, Cebu City, and Napo, Carcar City sizzled in the monthly amateur boxing fight card of the Villamor Boxing Gym in Pagsabungan, Mandaue City on Saturday, March 11. The Sarok Boxing Gym of Consolacion town, north Cebu clinched three wins, while Cebu City and Napo, […] The post Young boxers from Sarok BG, Cebu City, Carcar shine in Villamor grassroots tilt appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
PMI Bohol, Riverside Mandaue pugs log 2 wins in Villamor Boxing Gym’s grassroots program
CEBU CITY, Philippines — PMI Bohol Boxing Team and Riverside Mandaue’s pugs shone the brightest in the resumption of the Boxing Gym’s monthly grassroots program at the Villamor Boxing Gym (VBG) in Pagsabungan, Mandaue City on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023. This was after both the visiting Boholano boxers of PMI Bohol Boxing Team and Riverside […] The post PMI Bohol, Riverside Mandaue pugs log 2 wins in Villamor Boxing Gym’s grassroots program appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
13 amateur bouts featured in VBG’s monthly grassroots program
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Thirteen exciting amateur bouts will be featured in the resumption of the Villamor Boxing Gym’s monthly grassroots program at the Villamor Boxing Gym (VBG) in Pagsabungan, Mandaue City. The monthly amateur slugfest is held in cooperation with the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) and the PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions. Boxers from Pagsabungan, Carcar […] The post 13 amateur bouts featured in VBG’s monthly grassroots program 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......»»
More bouts lined up for Villamor grassroots boxing tournament
CEBU CITY, Philippines —Additional amateur bouts guarantee to spice up the Villamor Boxing Gym (VBG) amateur monthly grassroots program that will unfold tomorrow, March 20, at the VBG Gym in Barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City. The monthly amateur boxing tournament organized by Edito “ALA” Villamor, veteran boxing trainer, matchmaker, and former two-time world title challenger, recently […] The post More bouts lined up for Villamor grassroots boxing tournament appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
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......»»
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......»»
‘Sanman Bubble X’ fights: Zip-Sanman boxers pull out big wins
CEBU CITY, Philippines — ZIP-Sanman Boxing Gym’s stalwarts in Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem, Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja, and Alex Santisima pulled off stellar performances in their respective bouts last Wednesday evening in the “Sanman Bubble X” fight card in General Santos City. The 28-year-old Jerusalem of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon scored a second-round technical knockout against Michael […] The post ‘Sanman Bubble X’ fights: Zip-Sanman boxers pull out big wins appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
‘Bubble X’ to feature Sanman Boxing’s Jerusalem, Cataraja, Santisima
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Zip Sanman stalwarts will strut their wares in Sanman Boxing’s “Sanman Bubble X” on August 24, 2022, at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City. Headed by top-ranked minimumweight contender and former world title challenger Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem, the stacked fight card features some of the best boxers of Sanman Boxing […] The post ‘Bubble X’ to feature Sanman Boxing’s Jerusalem, Cataraja, Santisima appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Apolinar, Vicelles of Omega Boxing Gym KO foes in thrilling ‘Kumbati 10’ fights
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Omega Boxing Gym stalwarts or boxers didn’t fail to entertain boxing fans following their thrilling but impressive victories on Saturday, July 3, 2021’s “Kumbati 10” fight card at the IPI compound in Mandaue City. In the main event, Pete “Thunder” Apolinar knocked out the equally-determined Jess Rhey “Wanman Waminal” to […] The post Apolinar, Vicelles of Omega Boxing Gym KO foes in thrilling ‘Kumbati 10’ fights appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
ARQ boxers ready for battle, says trainer
CEBU CITY, Philippines—If there’s one person out there who can assure that the ARQ Boxing Stable’s pugilists are in tip-top shape, it is their chief trainer Eldo Cortes. Many questions arise regarding the condition of ARQ Boxing Stables’ boxers after their much-awaited maiden fight card was rescheduled three times this year. Now that they finally […] The post ARQ boxers ready for battle, says trainer appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Boxing cleared to resume by IATF, says GAB chairman Baham Mitra
Pinoy boxers and boxing fans have reason to celebrate after the announcement that the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infections Diseases) has given the boxing the clearance to resume. According to Games and Amusements Board Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra the IATF has allowed boxing to return, but will need to follow a set of health guidelines. Earlier this month, sports like football and basketball (albeit a slight delay) were already given the green light to resume practice. “Ang nai-pasok na po namin ay practice ng basketball and football, and then yung boxing, pumayag na, na magkaroon ng boxing, provided that both boxers and the referees, they test, yung negative sila, and then after three days, laban na sila,” Chairman Mitra revealed on an episode of The Chasedown. “After testing, ico-confine sila, para hindi mahawa ulit or [maka-hawa].” Boxing is just one of the many sports all over the world that was forced to hit pause following the exposion of the COVID-19 pandemic. In June however, boxing returned in the United States, with Top Rank Boxing starting to put on events. According to Chairman Mitra, boxing events in the Philippines will feature a significantly slimmed down card with a maximum of just five bouts, a far cry from the previous norm of at least ten bouts per event. “Yung sa boxing, maximum if five bouts. Ibig-sabihin, sampung boksingero lang pwede. Dati kasi ten or fifteen, or twelve fights in a day,” Chairman Mitra explained. “Ngayon, maximum of five lang, kasi ang pinapayagan lang ay sampu.” Before fighters can step inside the ring however, they will need to undergo testing three days prior to fight night and then remain confined or quarantined so as to avoid contracting the disease. “These boxers will be tested three days before the fight and then they will be confined, and then weigh-in, and then fight, and then after the fight, they will also be tested,” Chairman Mitra continued. “Wala na pong rapid test yung before. Yung rapid test, after na lang. Lahat swab test para sigurado, para halos walang error.” The swab testing, Chairman Mitra explained, is for maximum accuracy. “We’re also scared, ano? We might be held liable na ‘Pinayagan ng GAB yan eh’. Kami naman, sumusunod lang kami sa IATF, ang sabi nila papayagan lang namin kayo mag-boxing kung negative parehas.” Apart from the boxers themselves, the third men in the ring will not only need to be tested but are also required to wash up and change clothes after every bout they officiate. “So even the referee will also be tested, because he will be in the middle eh, and then the referees will be asked to wear short sleeved shirts and then wash [after] every bout, change t-shirt, change uniform [after] every bout.” Chairman Mitra added that judges will be placed further away from the ring, and only essential personnel will be allowed in the venue during events. “Tapos yung mga judges, hindi na sila beside the ring, medyo malayo na sila. Yung commentators will be outside of the venue, and only one or two camera people will be involved, and then as much as possible, we will not be allowing yung mga 21 and below or 60 and above, except if it’s essential. For example, almost all promoters are above 60, so okay lang yan.” As with most sports that have been able to return during the pandemic, there will be no audiences allowed. Chairman Mitra expects the new guidelines to be released by Monday next week, and then for PBA and PFL practices to resume by the end of next week......»»
Fil-Am UFC veteran Mark Muñoz shares his thoughts on the state of Filipino MMA
Apart from basketball and, as of recent years, volleyball, combat sports like boxing and mixed martial arts have been quite popular among Filipino sports fans. A lot of credit for that goes to the likes of eight-division boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao, four-division boxing champion Nonito Donaire Jr., Donnie Nietes, and those who came before them like Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Pancho Villa, and Gerry Peñalosa, all of whom made it big on the world stage. In recent years, a number of Filipinos are have also made a name for themselves in the global mixed martial arts arena, and one of the early big stars was none other than former UFC veteran Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz. From 2009 to 2015, Muñoz was one of the UFC’s top middleweight contenders and proudly carried the Filipino flag with him each time he stepped inside the Octagon. In May of 2015, on the UFC’s inaugural fight card in Manila, Muñoz retired in front of his kababayans after a unanimous decision win over Luke Barnatt. (READ ALSO: Filipino-American MMA star Mark Muñoz recalls retirement bout in Manila) Muñoz’s run in the UFC came at a time when the North American promotion was easily accessible to fans in the Philippines, and he became a household name in terms of Filipino MMA. Now, five years after Muñoz’s retirement, MMA in the Philippines has never been more popular, thanks in large part to promotions like the Asia-based ONE Championship, which holds around four events in Manila every year, and of course, the URCC, the Philippines’ first-ever MMA promotion. Today, homegrown Filipino talents like Eduard Folayang, Joshua Pacio, Kevin Belingon, Denice Zamboanga, Chris Hoffman, an many others have also gotten their time to shine on the world stage, and Muñoz believes that it’s because Filipinos are natural fighters. “I just feel Filipinos in general have that combat mentality. That’s already inside of them,” Muñoz said on The Hitlist vodcast. “I feel that Filipinos, from the days that we have to get our independence from the Spanish, Jose Rizal, he’s a hero in the nation, it’s just embedded in our culture, in our blood, so I just feel like Filipinos in general would be amazing fighters.” Munoz made special mention of guys like former ONE world champions Folayang and Belingon, as well as URCC champions Hoffman, and Ernesto Montilla Jr. “I mean you just look at the…Filipinos now, it’s growing and getting better. I’ve been following Eduard Folayang. He’s an amazing representative of the Philippines, Kevin Belingon, he’s the man. I think there’s another one that was on the card when I fought, Mark Eddiva is good. I know I’m leaving out a lot of fighters, there’s Ernesto Montilla Jr., when I was there in training, a guy caught my eyes, Chris Hoffman trained with me and helped me out. I know he’s doing big things in the Philippines. I think he’s URCC champion.” “There’s a lot of good fighters in the Philippines. I know I’m leaving out a lot and I don’t want to do that but there’s a lot of good talents in the Philippines and I wanna come, I wanna be there and help them in wrestling, in MMA wresting, in ground and pound, in everything that was my specialty in MMA,” he added. While Filipinos have indeed excelled in mixed martial arts, one aspect continues to be perceived as the Filipino fighter’s weakness is the ground game, whether it be wrestling or grappling. (READ ALSO: Mark Muñoz not ruling out MMA return) Today’s young stars, guys like Team Lakay’s Pacio and Danny Kingad have displayed some exceptional grappling in their past performances, but Muñoz, a former collegiate wrestler and current wrestling coach, made a living off taking guys down and keeping them grounded. “I think the common thing that everyone says with MMA is wrestling. Wrestling is the ultimate neutralizer. If you don’t have a good understanding of wrestling, you’re gonna have a really hard time becoming one of the, being ranked in the world or even be a champion,” Muñoz explained. “If you look at all the champions now, or the ones that are ranked in the world. A lot of them have background in wrestling. I feel that that’s something that the Philippines needs.” Muñoz has always said that one of the things he would most like to do is to help develop wrestling in the Philippines and hopes to one day be able to finally fulfill that mission. “I’m the guy to do that for them. I need to make sure I spend time in the Philippines to be able to help that,” he continued......»»
Traya to fight Chinese boxer for WBF Australasian super lightweight belt on June 24
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Former ALA Boxing Gym prospect Elmo “Bisdak” Traya will square off with Chinese up-and-comer WeiWei Liu for the vacant World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian super lightweight title in the main event of the Money Punch Fight Promotions’ first pro fight card slated on June 24, 2023, at the Consolacion Sports complex, […] The post Traya to fight Chinese boxer for WBF Australasian super lightweight belt on June 24 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
‘Tank’ crushes Garcia
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Unbeaten Gervonta “Tank” Davis handed Ryan Garcia the first defeat of his career on Saturday, stopping the Californian with a paralyzing body shot in the seventh round of their marquee fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. Davis, who has won five world titles in three weight classes, added another highlight reel knockout to his collection as he improved to 29-0 with 27 knockouts. Garcia was making the running in the second round when Davis drilled him with a left overhand counterpunch to send him to the canvas. The knockout blow was blindingly fast as Davis took advantage of an advancing Garcia, landing another heavy left to Garcia’s ribcage. After staggering back, Garcia steadied and attempted to square up before dropping to one knee — unable to rise before referee Thomas Taylor counted to 10. “It was a good shot,” Davis said. “I thought he was going to get up. I was looking at him, trying to tell him ‘get up.’” “And he just shook his head.” There was no title on the line, nor any battle for dominance in the 135- or 140-pound classes. But the fight at a 136-pound catchweight, which headlined a pay-per-view card and drew an enthusiastic, celebrity-studded crowd to the T-Mobile Arena, lived up to the hype generated by the clash of unbeatens. “I am the face of boxing,” said Davis, who had never headlined a pay-per-view card despite earning world titles at super-featherweight, lightweight and super-lightweight. “I just saw Rihanna perform at the Super Bowl and I was like that was going to be me one day, and here we are,” he said. “It definitely matches the dream. But the job’s never done til I retire. So I’m going to keep my head down, stay humble and continue to work.” Garcia, meanwhile, will have to go back to the drawing board after falling to 23-1 with 19 knockouts. The 24-year-old’s hand speed and punching power make him a formidable opponent, and his massive social media presence has made him a mainstream celebrity, but he has yet to earn a top-flight world title. After a testy build-up to the bout, Garcia was gracious in defeat, calling it “an honor” to be in the ring with Davis. “He just caught me with a good shot,” Garcia said. “I just couldn’t recover. Snuck under me and caught me good.” He said he didn’t want to elaborate, but when asked agreed he couldn’t breathe. “I was going to get back up, but I just couldn’t get up,” he said. The post ‘Tank’ crushes Garcia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davis stops Garcia to remain unbeaten in marquee bout
Unbeaten Gervonta Davis handed Ryan Garcia the first defeat of his career on Saturday, stopping the Californian with a paralyzing body shot in the seventh round of their marquee fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. Davis, who has won five world titles in three weight classes, added another highlight reel knockout to his collection as he improved to 29-0 with 27 knockouts. Garcia was making the running in the second round when Davis drilled him with a left overhand counterpunch to send him to the canvas. The knockout blow was blindingly fast as Davis took advantage of an advancing Garcia, landing another heavy left to Garcia's ribcage. After staggering back, Garcia steadied and attempted to square up before dropping to one knee -- unable to rise before referee Thomas Taylor counted to 10. "It was a good shot," Davis said. "I thought he was going to get up. I was looking at him, trying to tell him 'get up.' "And he just shook his head." There was no title on the line, nor any battle for dominance in the 135- or 140-pound classes. But the fight at a 136-pound catchweight, which headlined a pay-per-view card and drew an enthusiastic, celebrity-studded crowd to the T-Mobile Arena, lived up to the hype generated by the clash of unbeaten. "I am the face of boxing," said Davis, who had never headlined a pay-per-view card despite earning world titles at super-featherweight, lightweight and super-lightweight. "I just saw Rihanna perform at the Super Bowl and I was like that was going to be me one day, and here we are," he said. "It definitely matches the dream. But the job's never done til I retire. So I'm going to keep my head down, stay humble and continue to work." Garcia, meanwhile, will have to go back to the drawing board after falling to 23-1 with 19 knockouts. The 24-year-old's hand speed and punching power make him a formidable opponent, and his massive social media presence has made him a mainstream celebrity, but he has yet to earn a top-flight world title. After a testy build-up to the bout, Garcia was gracious in defeat, calling it "an honor" to be in the ring with Davis. "He just caught me with a good shot," Garcia said. "I just couldn't recover. Snuck under me and caught me good." He said he didn't want to elaborate, but when asked agreed he couldn't breathe. "I was going to get back up, but I just couldn't get up," he said. The post Davis stops Garcia to remain unbeaten in marquee bout appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu City Junior Olympics to feature 14 exciting boxing matches on April 15
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Junior Olympics will feature an exciting amateur boxing fight card on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC). This boxing event is organized by the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) and Coach Gigil Boxing of boxing trainer Ryan Illustrisimo. The last time there was […] The post Cebu City Junior Olympics to feature 14 exciting boxing matches on April 15 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Edito Villamor: Giving back to boxing through his grassroots program
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Edito Villamor, the former ALA Boxing Gym chief trainer has indeed come a long way in organizing a grassroots amateur boxing program in his gym in Mandaue City. On Saturday, Villamor will hold one of the biggest amateur boxing events in Mandaue this year which he billed the “Battle of the […] The post Edito Villamor: Giving back to boxing through his grassroots program 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......»»
Casama, Ponteras headline Sanman fight card in S. Cotabato
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Sanman Boxing’s prospect Michael Casama and Ryan Rey Ponteras lock horns in the main event of Sanman Boxing’s fight card in Norala, South Cotabato on March 9, 2023. Casama and Ponteras will battle for the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) featherweight title. Casama, 22, has a record of eight wins with eight […] The post Casama, Ponteras headline Sanman fight card in S. Cotabato appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»