Manangquil to fight in South Africa

By Lito delos Reyes

Southpaw Ben “Nightmare” Mananquil of Zamboanga del Norte will leave for South Africa tomorrow, July 23 to fight undefeated Phumelela “Truth” Cafu for the vacant World Boxing Association Intercontinental super flyweight title on July 29 at the El Premiership Hotel in East London, South Africa.

They will be the supporting bout of the main title fight between undefeated Dave Apolinario (16-0-0, 11KOs) and Gideon Buthelezi (23-5-0, 5KOs) for the vacant International Boxing Organization World flyweight title.

Mananquil and Apolinario will also be accompanied by their manager Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil, Ramon Falqui and trainer Ronerex Dalut.

“I’m right now 119 pounds and we will be fighting for 115,” said the 30-year-old Mananquil.

His sparring partners were Judy Flores (10-1-0, 6KOs), Kenny Demecillo (16-5-2, 10KOs) and undefeated RV Deniega (6-0-0, 3KOs).

“I’m going to do all I can to be a champion,” said Mananquil.

In his last fight, Mananquil retired Crison Omayao in the 4th round last February 5, 2022 at Sanman Gym in General Santos City.

Mananquil now has 18 wins, two loses, three draws and five knockouts while Cafu is unbeaten with five wins all by knockout.

Cafu has won two fights already this year. He beat Jackson Chauke by a majority decision to win the Boxing South Africa South African last March 27 at the International Convention Centre.

Cafu then scored a 5th round knockout on Tinashe Majoni last May 28 in East London.