Paradero out, Azarcon in

By LITO DELOS REYES

DAVAO CITY – The fight between Robert “Inggo” Paradero of Malaybalay and Thembelani “Guitarman” Okolo of South Africa for the vacant World Boxing Federation minimumweight title on June 27 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa has been canceled.

Okolo (9W-5L-1D, 5KOs) will now fight instead against Clyde Azarcon (17W-3L-1D, 6KOs) of Davao City.

The 26-year-old Azarcon recently won the vacant World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental minimumweight title by beating Mike Kinaadman of Iligan by a majority decision last March 9, 2020 at Robinson’s Galleria in Cebu City.

“Gusto kasi namin na baguhin contrata na pay first before the fight, eh ayaw nila (Because we want to change the contract to pay first before the fight, they don’t want to),” said Dr. Toto Sajulga, manager of Paradero.

Games and Amusement Board chairman Abraham Mitra also agrees with it.

“Yun na nga ang sabi sa matchmaker. Takot rin na lumaban ito kay Inggo (That’s what the matchmaker said. It was also afraid to fight Inggo)”, said Sajulga.

Paradero (18W-1L-0D, 12KOs), on the other hand, is disappointed after it will not push through.

“Kay mismatch daw takot kalaban, naka pirma na unta ko(Because mismatch seemed to scare the opponent, I should have signed)”, said Paradero.

“Hanap na lang ako ng ibang laban sa abroad, gusto na ako maka bawi sa pagkatalo ko (I’m just looking for another match abroad, I want to recover from my defeat)”, said Paradero.

Paradero will continue his training and sparring sessions in Bukidnon, “Oo tuloy pa rin para sa pangarap (Yes still going for the dream)”, he said.

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