DELA TORRE MAKES WEIGHT BUT MEXICAN OPPONENT FAILS

Harmonito dela Torre (left) and Jose Luis Araiza during their weigh-in.

By LITO DELOS REYES

UNDEFEATED Filipino pug Harmonito “Hammer” dela Torre did not have a problem on making his weight yesterday but his substitute Mexican opponent Jose Luis Araiza was three pounds overweight.

Dela Torre tipped the scales at 131 lbs. while Araiza was 135 lbs. during their official weigh-in last Thursday afternoon at the Winna Vegas Resort and Casino in Sloan, Iowa, USAl

“Araiza has to pay the fine for being overweight,” said Dela Torre’s manager Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil, chief executive officer of the Sanman Promotions.

Manangquil witnessed the official weigh-in together with Sanman operations manager Ramon Falgui, Cuban trainer Moro Fernandez, adviser Ricardo Rizzo and Greg Cohen, CEO of GCP Promotions.

Dela Torre and Araiza are fighting for a non-title bout under the GCP Promotions.

“I will make sure that I will do better and make my countrymen proud,” said dela Torre.

He was supposed to fight Dela Torre was supposed to fight Frank Trader of Philadelphia who pulled out due to an injury. The 22-year old Dela Torre made his U.S. debut last May and won by a majority decision against Guillermo Sanchez in New York.

Dela Torre knocked out Isack Junior of Indonesia in the fourth round for the WBF world super featherweight title in Gen.Santos City two years ago.

“I’m excited to be fighting again in the US especially because it will now be televised around the USA via the CBS Sports Network,” said dela Torre, who has been training for six months under Cuban trainer Moro Fernandez in Miami, Florida.

Dela Torre’s young manager Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil is also already in Las Vegas to give support to his prized-fighter from General Santos City.

“Harmonito really needs a good performance on Friday. I’m excited to see the work they did over there,” said Manangquil.

Managquil said that the 22-year old dela Torre is already 100 percent ready to fight.

Dela Torre wants to make a better showing from his US ring debut wherein he only won by a majority decision against Guillermo Sanchez (15-18-1) last May 27, 2016 at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.

The Dela Torre-Araiza tenner is promoted by Greg Cohen and Patrick Ortiz of Ringside Ticket, while the matchmaker is Jerry Alfano of Ring Kings.

The boxing card, which is under the Iowa Athletic Commission will be televised by the USA CBS Sports Network.

Dela Torre, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, is undefeated with 18 straight wins while 37-year old Araiza is toting 31 wins, 18 losses and 2 draws with 22 knockouts.

The main supporting bout will have undefeated welterweight Malik Hawkins (9-0) up against Antonio Chaves Fernandez (7-28-4), while in the undercard Skender Halili (11-1-0) versus Damien Hill (4-9-0).

TEAM HAMMER. (right to left) Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude Manangquil, trainer Moro Fernandez, boxer Harmonito dela Torre and promoter Greg Cohen. (Photo by RAMON FALGUI / SANMAN PROMOTIONS)