By Rey Danseco
Everything is in place for the staging of the double World Boxing Empire (WBE) championships on Friday (Thursday morning in the United States) at the air-conditioned Yñares Center in Antipolo City, Philippines.
The Japanese fighter, Yosuke Takeuchi, has arrived Tuesday in Manila from Tokyo while the second foreigner, Darathai Sitoh, is expected to appear today from Bangkok, Thailand.
Takeuchi, who was fetched by promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. and belittles at the Lotus Hotel in Manila, is slated to test the mettle of what the experts considered as possible future Filipino prospect Jonel Alibio.
The Alibio-Takeuchi tiff, schedule for 4-round at bantamweight class, will serve as one in the seven-pair of fights in the card dubbed “Bakbakan sa Antipolo City”.
Topping the double-header bill is former RP champion Baby Lorona Jr. and Sitoh, who was brought in by well-known matchmaker Soonthorn Moonkham of Kokiet Group in Thailand, for the vacant WBE junior lightweight title.
While fellow champions Sukarno “Master Showman” Banjao and Celso Danggod collide for another 12-round bout for the vacant WBE flyweight belt.
With full support of Governor Casimiro “Ito” Yñares, the card is free of admission. Jemah Television will cover the fight of the two foreigners against the Filipinos for a primetime showing on tape over IBC 13 on Monday.
While the Banjao-Danggod rumble will be aired by weekly Ringside @ Elorde from on its timeslot from 11 p.m to 12 midnight on Saturday in NBN 4.
The Philippines has produced one WBE world champ last April when light flyweight Jun Arlos won over compatriot Philip Parcon in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
WBE is a 4-year boxing organization that has headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia.
