Araneta seeks breakthrough win

CEBU, Philippines - After fighting mostly in small cards held in far-flung areas, undefeated Christian Araneta is ready to make his debut in bigtime boxing this Saturday in Who's Next? 4 Pro Boxing Series at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The 21-year-old fighter from Borbon, who is perfect in 13 fights with 11 knockouts, will take on Demsi Maufoe of Indonesia for the vacant World Boxing Organization Oriental light flyweight belt in the co-main event. It is his biggest bout to date.

 Araneta, who will turn 22 two days before his career-defining fight, made his debut on September 7, 2013 and racked up his impressive records in small-time gigs in Balamban, his hometown Borbon, Gen. Santos City, Masbate, Bukidnon, Danao and Mandaue City, stopping 11 of his 13 foes.

He won the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation light flyweight belt in just his eighth fight when he forced journeyman Charile Cabadilla (14-15-4) to quit in their fight in Masbate. His biggest card to date was the third edition of Who's Next?, Omega Pro Sports International's signature boxing series, when he stopped Philip Luis Cuerdo (9-3-1) in a come-from-behind fashion after trailing early in the fight.

 Now, Omega sports is prepping him up for bigger fights, starting with a regional belt challenge against his first foreign foe.

 "I am now close to my dream of winning a regional title," said Araneta, who is four years younger than his Indonesian foe.

 Maufoe is 11-6 with eight KOs and lost in his previous challenge for a regional title, the Asian Boxing Council light flyweight belt to Richard Claveras and to Siridech Deebok. He is hoping that third time will be the charm, while Araneta is gunning for his 14th straight win.

 "I won't waste this great opportunity to improve my boxing career," Araneta said during the event launching last month.

 Who's Next? 4 is the signature series of OPSI and will be held at the posh Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino for the first time.

Tickets  are priced at P500 (VIP), P300 (Gold) and P100 (Silver). These are available at the ticket counter of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Wednesday until Saturday. (FREEMAN)