Araneta out to boost stock in “Who’s Next?” slugfest

CEBU, Philippines - Light flyweight prospect Christian Araneta will try to boost his stock as one of the premium fighters of Omega Boxing Gym when he stakes his unbeaten record against journeyman Charlie "Steelbar" Cabilla of Bukidnon in the keenly-awaited second edition of  "Who's Next?" Pro Boxing Series on July 30 at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu atrium.

The hard-punching Araneta is slowly carving his name as a knockout artist having stopped nine of his 11 foes, but the real test of his power will come from Cabilla, a veteran brawler of 36 fights here and abroad.

"Cabilla will be the true test of Araneta's power," said Omega Pro Sports International Vice President Chad E. Cañares. "A lot is at stake for Araneta in this fight. Aside from keeping his clean record, he also aims to boost his stock as one of our high valued fighters."

The Araneta-Cabilla duel is one of the featured bouts of the slambang double championship show presented by Omega Pro Sports International Promotions and International Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In the main event, unbeaten super bantamweight contender Jack "The Golden Boy" Tepora (17-0, 12KOs) will make the first defense of his World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific Youth title against his compatriot Bryan Capangpangan (10-2-1, 7KOs).

The 23-year-old Tepora claimed the WBO AsPac strap with a spectacular fifth round KO of Arnel Tinampay during the inaugural 'Who's Next?' slugfest last March 6 at Robinsons Galleria.

Kenny Demecillo (10-3-2, 7KOs), on the other hand, will put his World Boxing Federation Asia-Pacific bantamweight strap on the line against fellow Mindanao warrior Eugene "Rambo" Lagos (8-1-2, 5KOs).

The action-packed card powered by all new 2016 Hyundai Tucson also features the pro debut of Filipino Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga against Melvin Manangquil.

The rest of the matches pit Jimboy Haya versus Fabio Marfa; Filjun Taneo versus Lenmar Prescillas; Tomjune Mangubat versus Arnel Acebuque; Mark Vicelles versus Jess Corabal; and pro debutants Chuck Pencineves versus Andrei Navarro. (FREEMAN)