GAB CHAIRMAN MITRA TO GRACE MAKATI BOXING AUG. 13

BY LITO DELOS REYES

NEWLY-APPOINTED Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham Khalil “Baham” Mitra will be gracing “The Road to Glory” boxing promotion on August 13, Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Makati Square Fitness Arena in Makati City.

“Yes, he has confirmed his attendance for his first public appearance in boxing,” said GAB Boxing Chief Dr. Nasser Cruz.

Mitra, a former Palawan Governor, succeeded former GAB Chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon of Bacolod City, who is still the president of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF).

Promoter Brico Santig of the Highland-Naris International Boxing Promotion said that international promoter-manager Naris Singwancha of Thailand is also coming to watch the free to the public boxing show.

The main event will feature former IBO world light flyweight champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto (who is now managed by Singwancha) against dangerous Powell “Destroyer” Balaba of Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Loreto earlier said that he also wants to challenge World Boxing Association miniflyweight champion Knockout CP Freshman (13 wins-6 Kos) of Thailand or World Boxing Council light flyweight champion Ganigan “El Maravilla” Lopez of Mexico (28-6-0-17).

Loreto (22W-13L-0D-14 Kos) is currently ranked WBA No. 1 mini flyweight contender and WBC no. 2 junior flyweight contender.

Meanwhile, Japanese fighter Daishi Yoshikawa of Yamaguchi Stable-Osaka, Japan is making a comeback against. Ezel Jungco of Sales Boxing Stable-Lipa, Batangas for six rounds in the 154 division.

Yoshikawa (6W-4L-0D-4 Kos) last won via a second round TKO win against Takuya Maruno.

Undefeated Ralph Jhon “Bomber” Lulu (10W-0L-2D-5KO) of Bulacan puts his unblemished record at stake against Junjie Lauza (4W-16L-2D) of Cavite in 8-rounder bout. Lulu previously won by a majority decision over Gerry Patenio last March 28, 2015 at Araneta Coliseum. Lauza settled a split draw with Roman Canto last April 12 at Ynares Sports Arena.

Another exciting bout to watch is the 6-rounder between middleweight Jason “Boy Tako” Catalino (2W-2L-0D-1KO) of La Trinidad, Benguet and the undefeated Indian boxer Prabjhjot “Punjabi Lion” Singh (5W-0L-1D-5KO).

The other bouts on August 13 in Makati Cinema Square:

Ryan “Singwancha” Lumacad of Highland Boxing Gym vs. Julius “The Rock” Bala of Alvarez Stable (119 lbs.-6 rds.)

Jirbet “Singwancha” Gomera of Highland Boxing Gym vs. Pablito Canada of MP Boxing Gym-Manila (122 lbs.-6 rds.)

Daishi Yoshikawa of Yamaguchi Stable-Osaka, Japan vs. Ezel Jungco of Sales Boxing Stable-Lipa, Batanga (154 lbs.-6 rds.)

Isagani Ypanto Llaban of Highland Boxing Gym vs. Christian Munalem (105 lbs.-4 rds.)