For Servania, revenge is name of the game

CEBU, Philippines - It's not everyday that you are expected to redeem your homeland's dignity but for Genesis “Azucal” Servania, that day is October 26.

The pressure couldn't get any higher for ALA Promotions' "Pinoy Pride XXII:The Revenge” as for Servania, this isn't just about grabbing the vacant WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight title - it's also about payback.

Servania's Panamanian opponent, Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion, is the same fighter that faced his stablemate, the then undefeated AJ “Bazooka” Banal, for the WBA super flyweight interim title at the Cebu Coliseum in July 2008.

Despite the overwhelming confidence in favor of Banal, Concepcion landed a massive right to Banal's head for an unexpected KO in the 10th round. The loss was a shocking disappointment that left a bitter taste in the mouths of Banal and the thousands of fans watching the event.

But Servania has been given the rare opportunity to rectify that memory. His alias “Azukal” means “sugar” in his native tongue, so there's no better contender for the sweet vengeance he'll win for his stable and all Filipino boxing fans.

After his recent bloody victory over Japanese Konosuke Tomiyama in Macau last July, Servania made it clear that he has the spirit it takes to take on the seasoned boxer. Despite being dropped twice early on in round one, Servania fired back and dropped Tomiyama by the end of the round, and yet again in the 3rd round. Servania remains undefeated with a record of 22 wins, eight by way of knockout.

But Concepcion isn't afraid. “I have fought better boxers than Servania has faced. Servania was exposed in his last fight against the Japanese boxer, “ he said.“He doesn't have punching power.”

It's true that Concepcion is the veteran in this match. After Banal, Concepcion went on to fight other vicious champions including Fernando Montiel, Nonito Donaire and Jorge Arce. And although he didn't manage to defeat either of the three, he has demonstrated his warrior ability in the ring, culminating in a current record of 18-6-1 also spiked with 8KOs.

The stage for this unparalleled tension will be at Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City on October 26, the very same town where Concepcion stole his first victory.

 We will see then if young spirit will trump over seasoned confidence to win back their Pinoy Pride.

Tickets are available at SM Cebu Cinema, SM Consolacion Cinema, Robinsons Department Store Costumer Service, ALA Gym BTC, ALA Gym Mandaue, ALA Gym Minglanilla, ALA Gym Banawa and Bisaya Ispisyal  Ayala.

For ticket reservations, call 505-9513 /0923-1072890/0915-8690905 or visit www.alaboxing.com for more information. (FREEMAN)