Randy Petalcorin vs Felix Alvarado for IBF World Title Moved to Manila, Philippines

By Carlos Costa

MANILA, Philippines — The exciting battle for the vacant IBF Jr. Flyweight World title between Filipino former world titlist Randy Petalcorin (29-2-1, 22 KO’s) and hard-swinging knockout artist Felix “El Gemelo” Alvarado (33-2, 29 KO’s) of Nicaragua scheduled for Sunday October 21 has been moved from Melborurne, Australia, to the exciting Capital of the Philippines, Manila.

The announcement was made today (August 31) by the fight’s co-promoter Peter Maniatis:

“The IBF world title match between Randy Petalcorin and Felix Alvarado was initially scheduled for Melbourne, Australia on October 21st. But, because of a better proposal to stage the fight in Manila, we have decided to change the fight to a venue in Manila, Philippines,” said Maniatis.

“For this change, I would like to thank Senator Manny Pacquiao and matchmaker Sean Gibbons, along with Filipino men of boxing Joe Ramos and Jim Claude Manangquil for making it possible to stage this IBF world title fight in Manila. Filipino boxing fans will love it,” added Maniais, a promoter as well as a TV boxing anchor in Australia.

Furthermore, when Nicaraguan matchmaker Ricardo Rizzo (the advisor of heavy-handed Nicaraguan puncher Felix Alvarado) learned about the change of location to the Philippines, he commented to Maniatis:

“Team Alvarado would be happy to fight Petalcorin on the moon if it means Alvarado gets to fight for the IBF world title.”

Maniatis added that he is working on “putting on a spectacular world-class event” on October 21st in the Philippines.

“In order to achieve that, I am working with Senator Pacquiao and Gibbons, along with good friends Filipino promoter Jim Manangquil and Team Pacquiao advisor Joe Ramos, so that this will be a great event.

“With Petalcorin and Alvarado so evenly matched, this fight will be an explosive one, a battle not to be missed,” ended Peter Maniatis, who recently got inducted into the Australia Hall of Fame.

The author Carlos Costa, 57, is a Panama-born Fightnewsasia.com fight reporter living in Cebu, Philippines He will attend the Petalcorin vs Alvarado IBF fight Oct 21 in Manila. Carlos can be reached by email: Carlos512@hotmail.com and WhatsApp/Viber: +639184538152.