Apolinar wants OPBF Silver feather more than Waminal

By LITO DELOS REYES

DAVAO CITY – Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation featherweight no. 7 contender Peter “Thunder” Apolinar of Makati wants the OPBF Silver featherweight belt more than Jess Rhey ‘One Man’ Waminal of Bukidnon.

“Gagawin ko po lahat ng makakaya ko (I will do everything I can)”, said Apolinar (14W-1L-0D, 8KOs).

They will be fighting for it on July 3 at IPI Tingub Gym in Mandaue City.

Apolinar and Waminal are former stablemates at the ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu.

“Di po ako talaga nanood ng videos ng mga makakalaban ko (I didn’t really watch the videos of my opponents)”, said Apolinar, who is now a resident of San Pablo, Laguna.

“Pero kilala ko si Waminal matalik na kaibigan po kami kasi dati po kaming stablemates sa ALA Boxing gym po (But I know Waminal is our best friend because we used to be stablemates at the ALA Boxing gym)”, said the 26-year-old Apolinar.

But a lot of time has passed, many have changed in their movements. Waminal has probably changed his style and Apolinar is ready for it.

“Ayun po sa pag hahanda ko na makuha po ang laban na ito (That’s how I prepare to win this fight)”, said Apolinar “Kasi matagal ko na rin po itong hinintay, di ko po ito sasayangin at pagbubutihin ko po ang aking laro sa darating po na laban (Because I’ve been waiting for it for a long time, I won’t waste it and I’ll improve my game in the coming match)”, said Apolinar.

Apolinar only suffered one loss to Jeo Santisima by a knockout in the 1st round last June 2015 in Toledo City. But he bounced back with nine wins including four knockouts.

In his last outing, Apolinar won by a unanimous decision over Juanito Paredes of Iloilo last March 27, 2021, at the IPI Compound in Mandaue.

Apolinar had sparring with his mates undefeated Carlo Bacaro (8W-0L, 6KOS), Mark Vicelles (13W-0L-1D, 7KOs) at Cristian Araneta (19W-2L-0D, 15KOs).

Apolinar also learned a lot when he became the main sparring partner of IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (33W-1L-2D, 22KOs) in his four title defenses, “Marami din po akong natutunan sa Survival Camp (I also learned a lot at Survival Camp)”, said Apolinar.

Apolinar earlier won twice in 2020 both held in IPI Compound. He first decision Jetro Pabustan of Sarangani last Oct. 7 then UD Danny Tampipi of Pagadian on Dec. 18.