Laurente defends crown vs Montilla tonite

A confident Orient-Pacific Boxing Federation lightweight champion Dennis Laurente vows to finish off challenger Fernando Montilla inside the distance in his second title defense today, starting at 6 p.m., in ‘Boksing Kontra Droga’ at the Casino Filipino amphitheater in Parañaque.

Laurente did not say what round he would dispose of Montilla, the reigning Philippine champion, in their 12-round bout but expressed confidence it would come early and decisively.

"Hindi ko pa siya nakalaban, pero napanood ko ang isang laban niya. May lakas per 83 percent lamang ako." said Laurente, from Palompon, Leyte, of their bout presented by the Inner Wheel Club and the Rotary Club of Parañaque Sucat in cooperation with the Johnny Elorde Management International.

"Kailangang convincing ang panalo ko para na rin kay Sir Johnny (Elorde)," he added.

A crack at the world junior title is the prime motivation for the 27-year-old Laurente who is currently ranked No. 8 by the World Boxing Council.

His promoter-manager Johnny Elorde said he needs two or three more international conquests to move closer to his dream.

Supporting the main event are three 10-rounders pitting Philippine No. 9 bantamweight contender Marcelo Alquizar of Davao City against Luzproba No. 4 Alan Fuentes of Masbate (135 lbs), Luzproba No. 3 junior welterweight Noel Hammerpan of Southern Leyte against Luzproba No. 4 Ramil Caballes of Mandaluyong (140 lbs), and Luzproba No. 2 featherweight Vinvin Rufino of Bacolod against Luzproba No. 3 Joel Salimbay of Baguio City (122 lbs).

The event is supported by the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Family Rubbing Alcohol, Elorde Sports Center, Elorde Sporting Goods International and Ringside Coffee Corner.