DIALE, ENRIQUEZ MAKE 111 LBS. IN PALAWAN

Aldin Diale (with cap) and Michael Enriquez (2nd from left) are flanked by round girls Monique Santig (extreme left) and Cheska Tan during their official weigh-in held Dec. 2 at the Baywalk of Puerto Princesa City. (Photo by LITO DELOS REYES)

By LITO DELOS REYES

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (Dec. 2) – Former Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight champion Ardin “The Jackal” Diale and current WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council light flyweight champion Michael “Blade” Enriquez both submitted identical 111 lbs. today in their official weigh-in held at the Baywalk here.

They will fight for 12 rounds for the vacant WBC International super flyweight crown on December 3 at 6 p.m. at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum.

Veteran referee Ferdinand Estrella, newly-elected president of the Association of Professional Philippine Boxing Ring Officials-Luzon Chapter is the third man on the ring.

“Handa akong talunin siya,” (I’m ready to beat him) said Enriquez of Sanman Boxing Stable from General Santos City

Diale, however, is confident that he can beat Enriquez with his more ring experience.

“Lamang ko sa iyaha ug experience. Kaya nako siya pildehon,” (I have more ring experience over him. I can beat him), said Diale.

Diale is toting 31 wins, 10 losses, 4 draws with 15 knockouts while Enriquez has 12 wins with 8 knockouts against 5 losses and 1 draw.

The 28-year old Diale, a native of Malungon, Sarangani Province previously fought for the interim OPBF super flyweight title against undefeated Ryan “The Fire Fists” Lumacad last Sept. 30 in Bacoor, Cavite. But the fight ended up in a technical draw in the 4th round after Diale suffered a deep cut on his left eyebrow to an accidental headbutt.

Diale won the vacant OPBF flyweight title by a unanimous decision against Renoel Pael last 2015. He retained it in his first title-defense by a UD against challenger Jonathan Francisco last February 20. But Diale as knocked out in the 4th round by Japanese challenger Daigo Higa in his second title defense on July 20 in Tokyo, Japan.

Enriquez, a native of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, previously scored a 1st round knockout win against Rowel Garcia last June 26 at the Gaisano Mall of General Santos City. Enriquez captured the vacant WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council light flyweight crown via a5th round technical knockout victory against Oscar Raknata on June 6, 2015 in Macao, China.

The Diale-Enriquez fight topbills the “Bakbakan sa Palawan” presentation of the United Boxing International Promotion by Japanese promoter Ryuta Kato of the United Boxing Promotion with Warren Evison as the matchmaker.

It is supported by Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra, Max’s Fried Chicken and City Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

The main supporting bout is the championship fight for the Philippine featherweight crown between Jilbert Gomera (11-1-0-6 Kos) of Tacurong City Edward “The Nightmare” Mancito (14-4-2-8Kos) of Iligan City, who submitted 124 and 126 lbs. respectively.

“Kahit magkaibigan kami. Maglalaban pa rin kami ng mahigpit dahil championship ito,” said Gomera, a former PBF bantamweight champion.

Pitted in the undercard are Alejandro Anas against Japanese Shin Ishiwaka and Romeo Tenorio Jr. and Robert Mendano.

The curtain raiser will have 10 pairs of amateur boxers from Palawan.