Thrilling week ahead for Phl boxing


In a span of just a few days next week, two world title fights are taking place on local soil.
The first one is happening on 26 October when Pedro Taduran makes the second defense of the International Boxing Federation minimumweight crown against compatriot Christian Balunan at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
Then on 29 October, the Thrilla in Manila’s golden anniversary celebrations will be highlighted by the third defense of Melvin Jerusalem’s World Boxing Council strawweight throne against Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa at the Araneta Coliseum.
Both events have the solid backing of eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao, who has mobilized his staff to ensure fight fans can enjoy world-class boxing.
The Taduran-Balunan showdown — also being handled by the seasoned American dealmaker Sean Gibbon — is being offered for free.
Although the Jerusalem-Kuse clash is not free to the public, ticket prices are dirt cheap, enabling the people to witness topnotch boxing for a minimum fee.
The first show is stacked with local talent. The undercard is rock-solid.
The Thrilla is likewise oozing with appeal as the undercard will have the likes of Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, ex-unified world super-bantamweight ruler Marlon Tapales, rising contender Carl Jammes Martin and Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali.
There will be a heavyweight fight as well to further ramp up the show.
Carlos “Sonny” Padilla, who refereed Ali’s epic 14-round war with Joe Frazier 50 years ago, is also gracing the affair.
So, if you got the time and you are a hardcore fight fan, there is no other option but to watch the fights on the 26th and the 29th.
Given the caliber of the matchups, everyone’s going home a winner, including the boxing supporters.
Block those dates on your calendar.
See you at the fights.