World-ranked Ian Abne extra motivated to go after first title

CEBU, Philippines — Ian Paul Abne has long been in the world rankings.

Interestingly, the undefeated “Assassin” of ARQ Stable hasn’t won any title yet.

That gave Abne an extra dose of motivation as the pride of Manticao, Misamis Oriental trades blows with Darwin “Cool Boy” Boyones of Biñan City, Laguna for the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) light flyweight belt in the keenly awaited “Engkwentro 13” fight card of ARQ Sports Promotions on May 1 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

“Una sa tanan, gusto nako nga magpasalamat sa akong manager nga si sir Jason Arquisola ug sa iyang wife nga amo promoter nga si mam Eva Arquisola sa paghatag nila nako og opportunity ingon man sa tanang sakop sa ARQ Boxing ug sa akong pamilya sa dako kaayo nilang suporta,” said Abne.

Though not yet a crown-holder, the 24-year-old Abne prides himself on being rated No.31 in the minimumweight division  (105 lbs.) by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Now that the opportunity comes his way, Abne vows not to slip it out of his hands.

“Excited ko sa umaabot nakong away. Para nako, importante kaayo ni tungod kay dugay nako na-ranking sa world unya wala pakoy title nga gihawiran,” said Abne.

“Taud-taud sad ko nakapangandam aning duwaa. Akong ikapasalig nga nindot gyud ning awaya kay bagsik ug tested na sab ako kontra. Pero maningkamot ko ug buhaton tanan kutob sa akong mahimo aron makadaog og title para mapansin ko sa mga world champion,” added the younger brother of reigning OPBF Silver flyweight king April Jay “Astroboy” Abne.

Ian Abne holds a perfect a 10-0-1 record with 4KOs, while Boyones carries a 6-4 slate with 3KOs.

The Abne-Boyones rumble scheduled for 10 rounds is one of ARQ’s historic triple championship show.

In the main attraction, Ramil “The Sharp” Macado, Jr. (8-0, 4KOs) will lock horns with PBF titlist Lawrence “Shotgun” Dumam-ag (9-0-1, 6KOs) of Zamboanga del Norte in an exciting match-up of unbeaten prospects for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight strap.

In the supporting main event,  former two-time world champion Vic “Vicious” Saludar (24-6, 14KOs) will slug it out with Sanchai Yotboon (14-7, 9KOs) of Thailand for the WBO Oriental minimumweight title.