Pitpitunge places title on block vs Japanese

MANILA, Philippines - Crisanto Pitpitunge returns to the Pacific X-Treme Combat cage as he stakes his bantamweight title against Japanese Michinori Tanaka in the highlight of PXC 37 this Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

A year after snaring the bantamweight belt with a win over Guam’s Justin Cruz, the 26-year-old Pitpitunge makes his first title defense against Tanaka, unbeaten in seven fights, including a submission (mounted triangle) win over Caleb Valloton in the PXC 36 in Guam last March.

Pitpitunge, from Baguio-based Team Lakay, faces a tough challenge against Tanaka, who has sharpened his jiu-jitsu skills by training with former UFC champion Urijah Faber in California for 20 days before getting the call from PXC to challenge the former for the crown.

“I know he’s undefeated but I’m not scared of him (Tanaka),” said Pitpitunge, now 4-1 (win-loss) since campaigning in mixed martial arts, in yesterday’s press launch at the Prime Upscale Club in Quezon City graced by TV 5 Sports’ Tony Atayde and PXC chief EJ Calvo.

Tanaka, meanwhile, is upbeat of his chances in the fightcard of the Guam-based outfit that will be shown on a delayed basis starting at 9 p.m. at AKTV on IBC 13.

“Whenever I go out to fight, I always feel confident. And I’m confident that I will stay undefeated,” said Tanaka through an interpreter.

Japan’s Takumi Nakayama and Singapore’s Syafiq Abdul Samad will also make their PXC debuts as they take on American Johnny Pecyna and Brazilian Wesley Machado, respectively, in other bouts to watch.

Also on tap are the fights of American Nate Thorrell and South Korean Jang Yong Kim, Jerome Wanawan and Ernesto Montilla Jr., Troy Bontiag and American Trevin Jones, Reno Remigio and South Korean Hong Seung Chan, and Alex Montalban and Rolando Uy.

PXC 37 is presented by San Mig Strong Ice and Sports5 with support from Axe Apollo, Fitness First, FHM Phl, Premier Condoms, Healthway, Beer Below Zero, Ultimate Fitness, Real Sports Radio, Loqal.ph, Filquest Media Concepts, spin.ph, Resorts World Manila, Remington Hotel, SM Tickets and Ticketnet.