Fareñas must pull off impressive win

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Fareñas needs a dominant performance on Friday at the Solaire Resort and Casino to gain another shot at the world title, according to former two-time world titleholder and promoter Gerry Peñalosa during the recent media launch of MAG Pacman Boxing International Promotions.

“Bob Arum told me in Macau that Michael must be ready since he might line him up as the next challenger to Mikey Garcia,” said Peñalosa in Pilipino.

Garcia is the undefeated WBO super featherweight champion.

Fareñas (34-4-4, 28 KOs) faces Jesus Rios (26-4-1, 20 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico in the main event of the card dubbed “First Blood: Philippines versus Mexico.”

It will be the first event of the company co-owned by Peñalosa, businessman Anson Tiu-Co, and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

Co-presenter of this event is Solaire Resorts and Casino while Tobi, Boysen Paints, CherrylumE and Siscor Mechanical Fabricators Inc. are the major sponsors. Other backers are Cooyeesan Hotel Plaza (Baguio City), Victor (Badminton and Sports apparels), Primo Tires and DEC.

Nicknamed “Hammer Fist” because of his heavy punching, Fareñas made short work of Kosol Sor Vorapin, stopping the Thai in two rounds, last October.

He has challenged for a world title twice but fell short both times. He first settled for a draw against Japan’s Takashi Uchiyama and then lost a unanimous decision to Yuriorkis Gamboa although he did manage to floor the popular Cuban fighter.

“Michael has the experience,” said Peñalosa. “That’s why he should grab the chance if given the opportunity for a world title.”

In the undercard, Dodie Boy Peñalosa Jr., (11-0-0, 11 KOs) aims to keep his undefeated record against Alem Robles (6-3-2, 2 KOs) while up-and-coming super bantamweight fighter Richard Pumicpic (13-5-2, 4 KOs) takes on Luis Lugo (15-4-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round fight.