Omega Pro launches 2 major boxing cards

CEBU, Philippines - Buoyed by the overwhelming success of its breakthrough event last March, Omega Pro Sports International formally launched yesterday two major fight cards to jack up its presence in the Cebu boxing circuit.

First up is the maiden ‘Uptown Rumble’ show on June 11 at the One Mango followed by the second edition of the 'Who's Next? Pro Boxing Series' on July 10 at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

“Aside from the 'Who’s Next? Pro Boxing Series,' we decided to put up another boxing event because we have a lot of fighters and we want to keep them, busy,” said Omega Pro Sports International Vice President Chad E. Cañares in a press conference yesterday at Manggahan Grill and Resto Bar.

“More fights mean more experience for them. And we're not only iving them venue to showcase their skills, we also want to guide their careers through these events,” added Cañares.

OPSI is home to young, talented fighters but it also gives chance to grizzled veterans with hopes of turning around their sagging careers.

In the main showcase of the ‘Uptown Rumble,’ former Philippine super flyweight champion Jason Canoy (24-6, 18KOs) will take on Margarito Moya (9-2, 3KOs) of Rex ‘Wakee’ Salud Stable.

“Omega Boxing Gym also has veterans who have been lost in their career but we are giving them a second chance and help them in converting their past adversities into positive motivations,” said Omega Pro Sports President Pio Paulo Castillo.

Canoy was on a four-fight winning streak last year, including a first round knockout of former world title contender Drian Francisco, before suffering a heart-breaking unanimous decision loss to Japanese Hinata Maruta on November 11 at the Sumiyoshi SportsCenter in Osaka, Japan.

“I became too confident and careless against the Japanese that’s why I failed,” said Canoy. “But it’s different this time. My preparation and my whole training team have been helping me a lot in improving my skills.”

Also set to see action in the ‘Uptown Rumble’ are Jerry Castroverde, Jared Payao, Salatiel Amit, Ar-ar Borbon, Oliver Genecera and Ponciano Rimandiman.

For the sequel of 'Who's Next? Pro Boxing Series," the undefeated WBO Asia Pacific Youth super bantamweight champion Jhack ‘Golden Boy’ Tepora  (21-0, 12KOs) will make his first title defense on July 11 against a still undetermined opponent.

“We are now working on getting a foreign opponent for Jhack,” said Cañares. “He is now ranked No.12 in the WBO, so we want him to be tested further.”

The 23-year-old Tepora claimed the previously vacant WBO belt with a scintillating fifth round stoppage of Boholano fighter Jason Tinampay last March 6 at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Also included in the July card are WBF Asia-Pacific bantamweight champion Kenny Demecillo and Philippine light flyweight titlist Christian Araneta with no confirmed foes. (FREEMAN)