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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Two regional belts at stake in 'Engkwentro'

Two regional belts at stake in 'Engkwentro'

Published Mar 23, 2024 07:36 am

At A Glance

  • Two regional titles will be at stake when the 14th installment of ARQ Sports'"Engkwentro" boxing series unfolds at the Mandaue Sports Complex on May 1.

CEBU CITY-- Two regional titles will be at stake when the 14th installment of ARQ Sports’“Engkwentro” boxing series unfolds at the Mandaue Sports Complex on May 1.

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Officials from Mandaue City and ARQ Sports join some of the boxers who will see action in “Engkwentro 13” slated on May 1 in Mandaue City. (Calvin D. Cordova)

The boxing extravaganza, which was formally launched on Friday, March 22, will be staking two World Boxing Organization (WBO) regional belts in what is by far the biggest card put up by the Cebu City-based ARQ Sports.

ARQ Boxing Stable's Ramil "The Sharp" Macado will go up against Lorez Dumam-ag in the main event for the vacant WBO Oriental flyweight title. In the co-main event, former world champion Vic "Vicious" Saludar will take on 

Thailand’s Sanchai Yotboon for the vacant WBO Oriental minimumweight title. 

“This is the first time in the history of “Engkwentro” boxing series that we have a double championship. So I can say that this is ARQ’s biggest card to date," said Roger Potot in a press conference at the Fairfield by Marriott Cebu in Mandaue City. 

Potot is ARQ Sports’ chief strength and conditioning trainer.

Macado and Dumam-ag are unbeaten fighters who are looking to improve their rankings.

WBO international boxing judge Edward Ligas disclosed that Dumam-ag pulled out from his scheduled fight in Manny Pacquiao's Blow-by-Blow next month just so he can vie for the WBO belt against Macado.

The 25-year-old Dumam-ag has nine wins and six knockout victories.

Macado (8-0, 4KOs) is a former amateur standout who fought for the Philippine team in various international competitions.

“This is a very special fight for me. This is a big fight but am not pressured. I will just do my best and apply the things that I did during the training,” said Macado. 

The city government of Mandaue has thrown its full support behind the boxing extravaganza, which is one of the highlights of the city’s fiesta celebration on May 1.

Mandaue City Sports Commission chairman and Olympian Mary Joy Tabal said hosting the card, which is free of charge, is part of the city’s campaign to promote sports tourism.

“We have lined up a lot of sporting activities for fiesta celebration and this is something that the city is pushing for, to hold topnotch sporting events,” said Tabal.

The undercard bouts include ARQ's Ian Abne (10-0-1, 4KOs) vs  Darwin Bayones (6-4, 3KOs); Reil Gabunilas (3-0) vs. Ronald Ewican (5-10,2KOs); Jhon Ver Espra (2-3,2KOs) vs. Raffie Jamero (2-1,1KO); John Magos (2-0,1KO) vs. Grant Elorza (2-4-3,1KO).

Two female boxers will also showcase their skills with Filipina-Hawaiian Casey Croft (12-4-3, 4KOs) taking on Thailand’s  Peeyalulax Sanpokang (6-2,5KOs). 

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