By Rey Danseco
THE former sparring partner of pound for pound champion Manny Pacquiao will take on a challenger called “Tyson” in the main event of “Bakbakan sa Munti” on June 13 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City , Metro Manila, Philippines.
Hard-hitting Aaron Melgarejo of Binan, Laguna will defend his Philippine super featherweight title for the second time against Baguio City ’s Mike ‘Tyson’ Tumbaga.
The 25-year old champion earned success after Pacquiao took his services in preparations against Mexicans Jorge Solis and Marco Antonio Barrera in 2007.
Melgarejo dominated veteran Edward Escriber in a tune up bout in San Pablo City, Laguna on March 24, 2007, and then he dethroned Dodie Boy Agrabio in a hard-earned split decision at the Mall of Asia in Manila on November 14 of the same year.
Melgarejo, who trains by his uncle and grandfather, former Philippine super bantamweight champ Dino Olivetti and former Oriental super featherweight king Oscar Reyes, defended his title against Judefil Aclo with a technical knockout win in round 6 on October 18 in his hometown.
Promoter Dante Almario, a former Chairman of Alabang and City councilor of Muntinlupa, plans to pack the undercard with one Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) championship bout and two Luzon Professional Boxing Association title fights.
Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and his City Council support the event that will be telecast over NBN Channel 4.
“This is the biggest boxing event in southern Metro Manila and we expect fans from Southern Luzon will come to watch,” said Almario, chairman of the board of PBF, in interview.
Tumbaga is a veteran of World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World featherweight title bout in Thailand and Almario expects him to become a real threat to Melgarejo’s aim of keeping his status as currently rated No. 1 contender of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation.
