By Carlos Costa
Brave Filipino boxers Alvin Lagumbay and Justine Darap are schedule to star in thrilling rumbles this coming March 12 at the Grand Ballroom of the plush Conrad Hotel in “The City of Gold,” Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Globe-trotting Mindanao combatant Alvin Lagumbay (12-5-1, 10 KO’s) of the Dakbayan sa Valenciay, Bukidnon, clashes against aggressive, hard-swinging German Atilla Kayabasi, born in Osnabruck, Niedersachsen, Germany, in an eight-round war in the 140-pound weight-class.
The last time “Time Bomb” Lagumbay climbed the fighting ring, came out with a win by points 2 years ago at the Saint Louis College in San Fernando, La Union Province.
The long time of inactivity (we all know why), prompts boxing fans to pray that ring-rust would not affect the friendly lion-heart Alvin.
Notably, Alvin’s more-active German opponent comes from a setback by points last December in the historic Czech Republic’s capital, Prague.
So the question is: Will “Time Bomb” Alvin Lagumbay be able to shake-off inactivity to dominate with skills, timing and ring-smarts the coming-forward fighting way of the strong German, reducing his stamina to then detonate on him BAM! with his trade-mark left hook bombs?
Lets hope so, good luck Lagumbay!
Now, lets talk about Warai Warrior Justine Darap:
In a battle of thrilling southpaws, big heart Warai fighter Justine Darap (9-1, 5 KO’s) of the Siyudad han Calbayog in Western Samar fights unbeaten “Kazakh Warrior” Yelshat Nikhemttolla (16-0, 5 KO’s) of Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Its not an easy war nor for the Pinoy nor the Kazakh.
So lets find out who of the two fighters owe more fighting skills and more mental strength to command the other in this 8-chapter war in the bantamweight division.
Importantly, Alvin Lagumbay and Justine Darap will travel to fantastic Dubai, U.A.E., provided that they successfully comply with all government requirements.
In another hot fight, Pakistan Super Lightweight National Champion Muhammad “Mehsud” Bilal (9-1-1, 7 KO’s) of Karachi takes on tough Sachin Dekwal (10-1, 6 KO’s) from Faridabad, India, for the vacant WBC Asia Continental 135-pound Belt; not an easy fight for any the two exciting sluggers.
In women’s world title action, Indian fighting girl Urvashi Singh rumbles African warrior woman Halima Vunjabei of Tanzania for the vacant IBA Women’s 122-pound World Title; and what lady will claim the championship belt?
In addition, super experienced former WBA Interim Champ Diego Gabriel “La Joya” Chaves from the country of Leo Messi battles heavy-handed Fatih Keles (14-1-1, 8 KO’s) of Trabzon, Turkey, in an exciting 10-rounder super welterweight collision.
3 more action-packed fights will complete the entertaining international show billed as “Countdown to Middle-East Crown Series 3,” jointly promoted by Team Roshan Sports Promotions of India, in association with the much active Dubai’s DJMC Events.
Important note from the author:
Filipino boxing fans will be able to watch Kababayans Justine Darap and Alvin Lagumbay in action live from Dubai online on FITE TV (Fite.tv) for free in the early hours of Sunday, March 13, at exactly 2 AM Philippines Time)
Best of luck Alvin Lagumbay & Justine Darap!!
The author senior boxing columnist Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
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