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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Boxing returns as Omega stages four fights in Cebu

Boxing returns as Omega stages four fights in Cebu

Published Oct 6, 2020 01:03 pm

Local boxing takes center stage as Cebu-based outfit Omega Boxing Promotions presents a four-card fight in a "bubble" at the International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI) Wednesday in Mandaue City, Cebu.

The event starts at 1 p.m. after the eight boxers had their weigh in on Tuesday.

This marks the first time in the country that a boxing event will be held after tournaments from various promoters in the country were suspended because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

However, with the help of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) from the government’s tripartite agencies of the Games and Amusements Board, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Health (DOH), pro sports were given the green light to resume by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

This includes the professional boxers.

“We are very excited for the restart, which is historic for Philippine boxing,” said GAB chairman Baham Mitra, as he commended the efforts of Omega chief Pio Paulo Castillo III and Jerome Calatrava to stage the event.

“It took almost two months to prepare as Omega made sure all protocols were observed. The event will definitely set the tone for other coming local boxing fights.  We hope that there will be more boxing fights in the near future.”

“This will not only be as exciting but most importantly as compliant and observant as possible with IATF-DOH-GAB health and safety protocols,” added Mitra.

Three of the four fights are 10-rounders, including Omega’s top fighter in WBA South light flyweight champion Ronnie Vecilles, who is also ranked No. 10 in the WBC ratings.

Vicelles will go up against Junuel Lacar from Baguio City in the 10-round light flyweight encounter.

On the other hand, Christian Araneta, a former WBC Asia silver champion in the light flyweight division, meets Richard Rosales from Bohol in a 10-round flyweight division match.

The other matches will be Pete Apolinar against Cagayan de Oro’s Jetro Pabustan also in a 10-round featherweight fight, and Carlo Bacaro versus Cebu’s Jeffry Stella in a six-rounder welterweight class.

“We are hoping that it will be successful and safe as it’s a signal that boxing is back in the Philippines. With this we are hoping other promoters will follow and put up fight cards soon in MGCQ areas,” said Mitra.

“This does not only signal that boxing is back but the bigger picture is the Philippines is adapting to the new normal and almost back on its feet in general even with COVID-19.”

Related Tags

Omega Boxing Promotions Mandaue City cebu Games and Amusements Board Baham Mitra
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