ATK Promotions inaugural boxing show gets underway with “Bakbakan sa Masbate” today

CATAINGAN, MASBATE  Philippines — The ATK Promotions of Masbate Governor Antonio Kho will kick off its pro boxing series with the “Bakbakan sa Masbate” show today (Saturday, April 20) at the Cataingan Astrodome here.

In the main event, former world title challenger Robert “Super Inggo” Paradero from Bukidnon will exchange blows with Charlie Pizon Malupangue of Zamboanga del Norte in a scheduled eight-rounder under the flyweight division.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Masbate Governor Antonio Kho na binigyan niya nang opportunity ang mga fighters na katulad ko. Sana marami pa silang matulungan mula sa napakaganda nilang programa para sa mga kabataan na nangangarap magiging boksingero,” said Paradero in a press conference at Hillsview Hotel yesterday.

Looking back, Paradero made quite an impression since he turned pro with a unanimous decision victory over Jason Sanchez a decade ago.

He piled up 18 consecutive wins, including against Royder Lloyd Borbon to snatch the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Youth minimumweight title, in what appears to be a promising career.

Until the pride of Malaybalay tasted the bitterness of defeat for the first time at the hands of his fellow countryman Vic “Vicious” Saludar.

Paradero yielded to Saludar by split decision in their 12-round rumble for the World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight belt on February 20, 2021 at the Binan City Football Stadium in Laguna.

Since then, Paradero’s fistic journey went on a downward spiral, suffering six more losses in a row.

But Paradero carried on, never losing hope that he would reach his dreams someday.

Given another chance, the 27-year-old Paradero is itching to end his seven-fight jinx that spanned for three years.

“Galing man ako sa sunod-sunod na pagkatalo pero nabuhayan ako nang loob ngayon dahil sa tulong ng aking bagong manager na kamag-anak ko rin,” said Paradero referring to his cousin Melvin Paradero, a retired Physical Therapist based in Florida who is now charting his path.

“Sana eto na ang bagong panimula sa karera ko kaya gagawin ko ang lahat para maipanalo ang laban na ‘to,” added  Paradero, who traces his roots from San Fernando, Cebu.

The rest of the action-packed spectacle sponsored by Kho Shipping Lines pits Sherwin Dacullo against Sandre Paderan, Datu Adam versus Jerry Tabago, and Joy Ebcas opposite Christian Salazar.

  Before the battle among the pros, 20 amateur bouts will be featured in line with Governor Kho’s ardent desire to scout for talents across the province and mold them to become topnotch ring gladiators that they can be proud of in the future.

“Eto ay pasimula pa lamang sa aming series of pro boxing events para mabigyan namin nang oportunidad ang mga kabataang Masbateno na pumasok sa boxing world,” said ATK Promotions Team Manager Ansbert “Bobo” Son.

“Yung makikita namin na mga outstanding boxers sa amateur bibigyan namin nang magandang programa, pasilidad and resources. We want to hone their skills at maisaayos ang kanilang buhay with guidance and full support from the government to make sure na maganda ang propesyon na papasukin nila.”