By Rey Danseco
YOUNG fighter Rey Labao and former champion Celso Danggod are forecasting impressive performances against separate foes in the free to the public boxing show dubbed “Duwelo sa Pasko” Saturday in Alabang, Muntilupa City, Philippines.
Labao (12-1, 8 KOs) faces former Philippine featherweight titlist Jeffrey Onate (32-24-7, 17 KOs) in a 10-round clash in the 6-fight, 42 rounds card of Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. and Chairman Victor Ulanday of Barangay Alabang.
Labao realizes that he must deliver in order to maintain his position in the regional ranking and lobby public support for bigger as well as championship fights that he has so far been desired in his two years and four months old career.
The 22-year-old, 5-foot-7 southpaw fighter of Elorde in Paranaque City has stopped his 11 straight wins in his first attempt to gain international attention when he made a mistake of fighting beyond his usual category. Weight 129 ½ pounds, Labao was upset by Japanese Hero Bando with a very close unanimous decision win over 6 rounds last month in Tokyo.
Onate is a 32-year old journeyman, who lost his RP title to another Elorde boy Vinvin Rufino in May at NBC Tent in Taguig City. Onate has 3-fight losing skids in as many outings this year and two of those bouts were lasted in the opening round against Venezuelan Jorge Linares at Japanese Satoshi Hosono sa Japan.
“I must move on from that (stoppage) defeats and try to win this one against Labao,” said Onate, who left his manager Luisito Marty of Zambales and fights under Ulanday Stable.
Danggod (34-23-13, 10 KOs) takes on little-known but determined fighter Chris Dujali of Valenzuela City in another 10-round bout in the main event. First fight starts at 7pm.
