Grandsons’ bouts highlight Elorde Memorial Awards

MANILA, Philippines - Two grandsons of the legendary Flash Elorde – Juan Martin (Bai) Elorde and Juan Miguel “The Boss” Elorde – will be pitted against tough Indonesian fighters in two big boxing promotions highlighting the 16th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards and Banquet of Champions on March 29 at the Grand ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel.

Bai will vie for the vacant WBO Oriental jr lightweight championship against Musa “Andy” Letding of Indonesia while younger brother Mig will defend his WBO Asia-Pacific jr featherweight crown against Waldo Sabu of Indonesia.

Newly crowned WBC international champion Giemel Magramo will also face John Bajawa in the supporting mainer. WBC No. 1 jr flyweight contender and OPBF champion Jonathan Taconing will also see action in an exhibition bout for boxing aficionados to see him as he prepares for a world title fight against Ganigan Lopez of Mexico sometime first week of July.

The Banquet of Champions will also honor Boxers of the Year Rey Singwancha Loreto (IBO light flyweight champ) and Randy Petalcorin (WBA light flyweight titleholder).

A main highlight of the Awards rites is the “Casting of Fists” where the first batch of all-time Philippine greats will have their fists cast in stone which will be a permanent part of the Elorde Hall of Fame. The first batch, excluding Manny Pacquiao who will be in the US for his upcoming bout with Timothy Bradley, are light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes and super bantamweight king Nonito Donaire and retired champions Gerry Peñalosa (WBO bantamweight), Rolando Navarrete (WBC super featherweight), Rene Barrientos (WBC super featherweight), Erbito Salavarria (WBC flyweight) and Ronnie Magramo (WBF minimum weight).

The Elorde Awards will also give citations to the best referee, most promising boxer, best trainer and best fight of the year.

The event is presented by Johnny Elorde Management International in cooperation with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp.(PAGCOR), Cobra, Contour Rehabilitation and Wellness, Hapee Toothpaste, Southpaw Bar and Grill and the Elorde Boxing Gyms.

Limited tickets are now on sale. For details, call up Liza, Beth or Mhay at 09172504156, 09771456608; 8250625 or 8264463.