MP Promotions: The Saludar Brothers, Garde, Cuarto, Laurente Make Weight for Fiesta Ng Maco in Compostella Valley, Philippines

By Carlos Costa

MACO, Compostella Valley — Even though MP Promotions founder Manny Pacquiao is in the U.S. for his world title fight against Keith Thurman set for July 20, his MP Promotions team, together with his boxers and staff keep up the work, getting boxing hot for tonights 13-bout fight card here in the southern Philippine’s town of Maco in Compostela Valley, a couple hours drive from Manny Pacquiao’s hometown of General Santos City.

Earlier today, all twenty six boxers taking part in the card successfully made weight ahead of their exciting boxing show taking place on the eve of Fiesta Ng Maco, the traditional annual Roman Catholic celebration in this southern Mindanao town honoring The Holy Mother of Perpetual Help, which is celebrated here in Maco every last Saturday of the month of June, and this June is no exception.

In the main event, the tough “Destroyer” Arnold Garde (10-7-3, 4 KO’s) of Cotabato del Norte, weighed-in at 109 pounds, while his southpaw opponent former WBC International titlist Renz Rosia (14-8-1, 7 KO’s) of Negros Occidental made 108 lbs., ahead of their battle for the Philippines Boxing Federation (PBF) Flyweight title today Friday, June 28, at Maco’s Municipal Gym.

Both warriors come from losses by points in hard-fought battles and do not want any more red marks in their fighting records. Warrior-heart Rosia, 31, comes from a majority decision loss last April in Cebu, while Garde, 29 yielded a unanimous decision setback last March in Tokyo, Japan. Today, both men aim hard and high for a decisive victory here in Maco. Who will prevail?

In the undercards, the younger brothers of WBO minimumweight world champion Vic Saludar are set to see action. Vanjune Saludar weighed-in at 112 lbs., for his pro boxing debut against more experienced Jobab Lucas, who also came-in at 112 pounds. Their rumble is a hot 6-rounder in the flyweight division.

Also, Jakeson Saludar, a minimumweight fighter as his elder world champion brother, scaled-in at 104 lbs. His foe Gerald Alvarez stepped-in two pounds heavier at 106 lbs. Their war is an intriguing six-chapter saga.

In the card’s co-main event, Bonjun Loperez of Angono, Rizal, recorded 108 pounds, while brave heart veteran fighter Richard Rosales got 109 for their 10-stanza non-title battle.

Also, Rene Mark Cuarto, the promising fighter of MP Promotions who recently fought a an IBF world title eliminator, recorded 107 lbs, while Mike Kinaadman weighed-in at 104 pounds for their eight-round clash.
In super lightweights, Roman Catu scaled-in at 137 lbs as Romulo Ramayan put the needle too hight at 144 pounds, for which he is required to wear 10-ounces gloves.

Plus, hot lightweight prospect Criztian Pitt Laurente got 131 lbs., while his foe Rogelio Boyles made 120 pounds.  Their 4-rounder clash will be the one to kick-off the evening of entertaining MP Promotions pro boxing.

All fights are sanctioned by the Philippine’s Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Davao Extention Office headed by Official in Charge , with GAB Official John Kenneth Improso.

GAB Physician is Dra. Krista Grace Salinel Libo-on. Timekeeper for the show is Jimson Mata. Organizer for MP Promotions is Vanessa Neri.

“Battle of Champions,” the fight event today in Maco, Compostella Valley, is a production of MP Promotions in cooperation with the government of the Municipality of Maco in Compostella Valley.

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The author Carlos Costa is a Panama veteran man of boxing living permanent in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber/wechat/messenger 09184538152.

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