Apolinario to fight for vacant IBF World flyweight title

By Lito delos Reyes

Undefeated Dave “Dobermann” Apolinario of Maasim, Sarangani Province get his biggest break as he takes on Gideon Buthelezi of South Africa for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight title on July 29 in East London, South Africa.

In his last fight, Apolinario retired Mike Kinaadman of Iligan City in the 4th round at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City last February 5, 2022.

Kinaadman was down once in Round 2 and 3 and twice in Round 4.

Apolinario, a southpaw, is still unbeaten with 16 wins and 11 knockouts.

He is already sparring 10 rounds tomorrow after having eight rounds last Friday.His sparring mates are unbeaten RV Deniega (6-0), Richie Mepranum (36-9-1, 11KOs) and Randy Petalcorin (31-4-1, 23KOs).

“This fight will really be a nice one. I need to knock him out in order to surely win,” said the 23-year-old Apolinario.He will be accompanied by coach-trainer Ronerex Dalut and manager JC Manangquil to South Africa.

“We still do not know if we will be on our flight,” said Apolinario.Buthelezi, on the other hand, recently beat Jonas Matheus of Namibia by a split decision last November 27, 2021 in East London.

Buthelezi is formerly the IBO World super flyweight champion.

The 35-year-old Buthelezi last defended his title with a 1st round technical knockout over Mexican Adrian Jimenez last July 27, 2019 in East London.