Mangubat fights former stablemate

By Lito Delos Reyes

Lightweight boxer Tomjune “War Dog” Mangubat of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will fight former stablemate Allan Villanueva of Cebu on October 22 at the IPI Compound in Mandaue City.

The 24-year-old Mangubat said he is currently four pounds over the 135-pound limit but is confident of making weight before the fight.

He also said he is confident of winning over the 25-year-old Villanueva because he is familiar with his moves, having trained with him at the Omega Boxing Gym in Cebu in the past.

“Kita na nako ana, fighter pud. Kauban me ana sa una (I’ve seen him before, he’s also a fighter. We were stablemates before),” said Mangubat, who has a ring record of 14 wins, two losses, one draw and 11 knockouts.

Villanueva (11-1, 8 KOs) used to train at Omega but has now transferred to Big Yellow Gym, also in Cebu.

“Dili ko maka ingun og knockout kay sakto sad training akong kontra karon (I can’t promise to win by knockout because my opponent also trained well),” said Mangubat, who has already fought twice this year in Mandaue City.

Mangubat retired Ryan “Ironman” Maano of Cebu in the fourth round on March 27 as his Cebuano foe decided not to continue fighting at the start of the fifth round. He also defeated Ernie Sanchez of Gen. Santos City via unanimous decision on July 3.

Villanueva, on the other hand, lost to undefeated Carlo Bacaro of Negros Oriental by unanimous decision on March 27, also in Mandaue City.

Pio Castillo Jr. of Omega Sports Promotion is promoting this boxing event under a bubble setup.