By Ronnie Nathanielsz
World rated Diosdado “Prince” Gabi is hoping to keep the winning streak of Fiipino fighters in the U.S going when he makes his American debut on the main event at the Stockton Civic Auditorium on September 23.
Gabi’s new manager Michael Koncz informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that the fight will be at 116 pounds when Gabi battles hard-hitting Mexican Jose Alfredo Tirado who has a record of 17 knockouts in 22 wins with 2 losses and 3 draws. Gabi has a
record of 25-2-1 with 18 KO’s and is coming off a fifth round technical decision over Philippine super flyweight champion Eric Barcelona last April 10.
Since his arrival in the US last August 3, Gabi has been training under the watchful eye of Freddie Roach at his Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. He has sparred around 75 rounds and was the chief sparring partner of newly crowned WBC light flyweight champion Brian Viloria during Viloria’s preparation for his title shot against Mexico’s Eric Ortiz. In his final week of preparation Gabi spared with IBF super bantamweight champion Israel Vasquez who was also a regular sparring partner of Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao.
Koncz disclosed that conditioning expert Justin Fortune puts Gabi through a “variety of well thought-out and vigorous conditioning and strength drills on a daily basis at the Wild Card Gym.
Koncz said good friend and matchmaker Jimmy Montoya who is also in charge of the West Coast operations of Guilty Boxing provided a “credible and very tough opponent” but added he was confident Gabi was “up to the task which will be a good test and indicator as to
where he stands in the hunt for a world title.”
Gabi said he had made “great sacrifices” in leaving his wife and ten month old son, family and friends behind but stressed “I know in my heart I will give a better life for my family when I fulfill my dream of becoming world champion.”
