BARRIGA TO MAKE PRO DEBUT VS. VETERAN BALABA

By LITO DELOS REYES

OLYMPIAN boxer Mark Anthony Barriga will be making his pro debut against veteran Powell Balaba on July 30 in the undercard of the “Who’s Next?” 2 Pro Boxing Series on July 30 at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium in Cebu City.

Barriga, the country’s lone representative in the 2012 London Olympics, will be fighting already for 8 rounds in the 108 lbs. division. The fight was made possible by international Filipino matchmaker Brico Santig of Highlands Promotion.

“The contract has already been signed by Balaba, who is not afraid to fight Barriga,” said Santig, who was tasked by the fast rising boxing promotional organization OMEGA Pro Sports International (OPSI) of the International Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Balaba is a veteran with a total of 28 fights – 8 wins, 19 losses, 1 draw and 5 knockouts. He has fought three separate championship fights including for the WBC Asian Boxing Council flyweight crown.
But he lost the international fight to Nawapon Kaikaha by a 5th round knockout last February 24, 2015 in Thailand.
Balaba was also stopped by Geboi Mansalayao by a 4th round KO in the battle for the vacant Luzon Professional Boxing Association (Luzproba) flyweight crown last September 6, 2015.
Balaba’s first title fight was for the Philippine minimumweight crown. But he also bowed by a unanimous decision to Crison Omayao on April 19, 2014 in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
“Hindi puede mag-kumpiyansa si Barriga dito kay Balaba dahil beterano ito,” said Santig.

The 23-year old Barriga, a native of Panabo City, Davao del Norte, was supposed to make his pro debut in Manila last month. But the bout was cancelled after his opponent was found to have a hepatitis.

Barriga, who is managed by young sportsman-businessman Jason Soong of Manila has brought honor to the Philippines in winning in international competitions including a gold medal at the 2013 SEA Games in Nepyidaw, Myanmar and a bronze in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.