‘One More Time’ boxing presscon this am

The main combatants of the keenly-awaited “One More Time” boxing extravaganza led by IBF Intercontinental super flyweight champion Z “The Dream” Gorres and former WBC flyweight titlist Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tuñacao are expected to figure in a verbal tussle as they gather today for the event’s final press conference.

The affair is scheduled at 11 am at Golden Cowrie Restaurant along Salinas Drive in Brgy. Lahug, just a stone’s throw away from the main venue of the blockbuster card set on Saturday night at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Gorres (27-2-2-, 15KOs) takes centerstage in the main attraction of the four-nation spectacle as he battles reigning UBO bantamweight champion Nick “Black Sugar” Otieno (15-1, 5KOs) of Kenya in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

Tuñacao (26-2-3, 14KOs), on the other hand, makes his ring comeback from a 16-month layoff as he battles Tanzanian Professional Boxing Commission title-holder Rashid Ally (11-9-7, 2KOs) in another exciting 10-round duel.

Yesterday, the visiting African warriors gave the Cebuano ring buffs an overview of their fighting skills by holding a public preview at the ALA Gym-Banilad Town Center.

Another fighter worth watching for is Jason Pagara (13-1, 7KOs), the 16-year-old prized catch of the ALA Stable who will make his debut under the aegis of Cebu’s world-renowned sweatshop against Indonesian Heri Andriyanto (11-3-1, 7KOs) in a 12-round rumble for the vacant WBO Youth lightweight title.

The rest of the action-packed undercards pit Jether Oliva vs. Jayson Rotoni, Jun Intor vs. Ali Belonguel, Juan Miguel Elorde vs. Racem Laud, Romero Jakosalem vs. Elmer Colve, and Jerson Mancio vs. Ratazu.

Tickets are available at ALA Gym BTC (416-2011), Islands Souvenirs Ayala (231-2581) and SM City Cebu (232-1906), and Bisaya Ispisyal Ayala (231-2376) and SM City Cebu (232-0610) at the following prices: P1, 500 for VIP 1st row; P1,250 for VIP 2nd row; P1,000 for 3rd row; P750 for 4th row; P550 for ringside; P350 for ballroom; and P250 for balcony.

The “One More Time” show is bankrolled by ALA Promotions in association with premier entertainment leader Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, the city government of Cebu, Y101, and the great Oriental food specialist Big Mao-Crossroads. – EBV