By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Boxing fans in the Philippines are in for a treat ahead of the much-awaited rematch between Filipino ring idol Manny Pacaquiao and Mexico’s Erik "El Terrible" Morales when Jemah Television and Viva Sports present back-to-back OPBF and Philippine Championship fights on IBC 13 this weekend.
The two major sports organizations combine to telecast back-to-back Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Championship bouts at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14 and two Philippine title fights at the same time on Sunday, January 15.
In the OPBF title fights held recently at the famed Koreakuen Hall in Tokyo, former WBC flyweight champion Malcolm Tunacao battles reigning OPBF champion Kumarnthong Por Kuemkamol of Thailand and Rev "Gentle Giant" Santillan clashes with OPBF welterweight champion Kazuhiko Hidaka of Japan.
The Philippine title fights on "Sinulog Slambang" will be presented by Hope, the largest selling luxury cigarettes and telecast "live" from the parking lot of the Gaisano Country Mall in Cebu City.
In the main event, hard-hitting Dondon Sultan will defend his title against rugged Cesar Yarte while flyweight Federico Catubay clashes with rated contender Louie Bantigue in a blockbuster fight card that will be one of the highlights of the Sinulog festival.
