"KAPRE" TO FACE "PANTERA" FOR WBC SILVER INTERNATIONAL LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE IN MEXICO

By LITO DELOS REYES

ROSEKIE “Kapre” Cristobal of the Philippines is again fighting in Mexico on November 5 at the Polideportivo Centenario in Los Mochis, Sinalo.

This time Cristobal is facing former WBC Latino lightweight champion Nery “Pantera” Saguilan also of Mexico for WBC Silver International lightweight title.

Cristobal, who is now handled by the MB Boxing Promotion of Erwin Maderazo and Jilson Basang of Singapore is now already in Mexico.

The 22-year old native of Pres Roxas, North Cotabato had prepared for this fight at the MP Davao Boxing Gym owned by Manny Pacquiao’s assistant trainer Manny Pacquiao in Davao City.

“He was training hard for this fight,” said Basang in his text message.

Cristobal, a southpaw has won 12 straight wins with 9 knockouts before he suffered his only setback during his previous fight held last August 20 at the Centro de Convenciones in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.

Cristobal, who is now handled by the MB Boxing Promotion of Erwin Maderazo and Jilson Basang of Singapore lost by a disqualification due to multiple low blows to defending WBC Latino lightweight champion Marcos Villasana Jr. (19-6-0), who earlier took the crown away also from Saguilan via a unanimous decision.

But prior to that loss, the 5-foot-10 Cristobal scored a 4^th round knockout against Jhun Ryan Quimbo last December 12 at the Almendras gym in Davao City.

“Babawi ako sa Mexico,” said Cristobal, who is also called as “The Gentle Giant”.

The other past knockout victims of Cristobal were Rey dela Cruz, Michael Manambay, Eric Mansira, Michael Manambay, Romer Dela China, Jovy Dayandayan, Harry Klerk and Jun Condolon.

Meanwhile, Saguilan is also coming from back-to-back defeats with a record of 37 wins (13 KOs), 7 losses and 1 draw. In his last fight, he lost by a KO to Dante Jardon last August 6 for the WBC International Silver lightweight title.

He also earlier lost his WBC Latino lightweight title in his second title-defense by a unanimous decision to Marcos Villasana Jr. last May 28.