Ex-ALA Boys primed for Sanman debut

CEBU, Philippines —  Former ALA fighters Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja, Jeo “Santino” Santisima, Melvin “El Gringo” Jerusalem and Esneth “Hard Hitter” Domingo are all primed and ready for their highly anticipated debut with Sanman Promotions/ZIP barely two weeks from now.

Cataraja, Santisima, Jerusalem and Domingo will take center stage in Sanman’s second show since the pro boxing restart billed as the “Vengeance”, which will be staged behind closed doors under strict health protocols at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City on December 17.

“The event is still closed to the public in compliance with health protocols surrounding the pandemic. However, we ensure you a live broadcast via Facebook where you can be entertained and witness non-stop boxing action,” Sanman CEO Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil stated in a press release.

The undefeated super flyweight contender Cataraja (11-0, 9KOs) will slug it out with John Mark Apolinario, one-time world title challenger Santisima (19-3, 16KOs) will battle rising prospect Marjon Piencenaves, world championship aspirant Jerusalem (15-2, 9KOs) will trade blows with Jayson Francisco, while Domingo (13-1, 7KOs) will lock up horns with Gerald Alvarez

Cataraja, from Cebu City, is the reigning WBO Youth 115-pound champion. He won the crown with a resounding unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Victor Hugo Reyes on November 24, 2018  at the IEC Convention Center in Barangay Mabolo.

The Aroroyo, Masbate-native Santisima once vied for the WBO super bantamweight belt but was knocked out in the 11th round by the heavily favored Mexican champion Emanuel Naverette on February 22 this year at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

On the other hand, Jerusalem is the currently the top-ranked WBC minimumweight contender. That positions the fighting pride of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon as mandatory challenger of the newly-crowned WBC 105-pound king Panya Pradabsri, who dethroned the previously unbeaten longtime champ Wanheng Menayothin (Chayaphol Moonsri) just last November 27.

Domingo, for his part, fought for the WBA Asia flyweight strap but lost by decision to fellow countryman Alphoe Dagayloan on April 13 last year at the Quibors Gym in Bacoor City, Cavite.