TCC Muay Thai fighters brace for national joust

CEBU, Philippines - Team Cebu City’s Muay Thai fighters brace for a tough challenge as they battle other elite kickboxers in the country in the National Muay Thai Championship 2016 on December 16 at the Philippine Sports Complex in Pasig City.

Muay Thai Association of the Philippines-Visayas head Master Benigno 'Ekin' R. Caniga Jr. is sending eight of his top wards headed by his nephew and international double gold medalist Ken ‘Shaolin’ Caniga.

Ken is fresh from another double gold medal performance in the recent Muay Thai National Open last October 30 in Baguio City.

“We have a small team because we want quality over quantity. These young kick boxers trained hard for months and they will be ready in facing other elite fighters coming from different regions in the national championship,” said Team Cebu head coach Mary Ann Durado.

Also included in the team is mixed martial arts veteran Roel ‘Akiyama’ Rosauro who wants to test his luck in Muay Thai after an impressive knockout win over veteran Lorde Rey Yamit in the Pacific Xtreme Combat fight card on August 28 at the  Atrium Limketcai Center in Cagayan De Oro City.

“Rosauro will be our bet in the seniors division and hopefully his vast experience in MMA can help him in win the gold,” Durado said.

Caniga added that the national championships will serve as a selection process for the national team that will be preparing and competing in various international tournaments next year.

“Ken is already a member of the national team but I want to see more Cebuano fighters to represent the country in international events,” added Master Ekin. (FREEMAN)