ARQ Boxing’s maiden show a huge success

CEBU, Philippines — The first ever event of ARQ Boxing Promotions that was four months in the making was a big success over the weekend.

After several postponements since its initial schedule in March due to some government prohibitions amid the pandemic, ARQ’s ground-breaking show billed as “Engkwentro Uno” was finally staged last Saturday, June 19, behind closed doors at Gate 2 of Cosonsa Manufacturing Compound in Ibabao, Mandaue City.

“We felt fulfilled and very happy that our first ever promotion was highly successful,” said ARQ Sports Director Chelito “Coach Carz” Caro. “We are most thankful to our promoter Eva Mari Arquisola and his husband boss Jason Arquisola for their all-out support to our boxers.”

“Expect more ‘Engkwentro’ shows in the future especially now that we’re able to see the potential of our boxers. This is something that boxing fans should watch out,” added Caro. “For this year, were planning to hold two more events. We want to build up our boxers and ramp up their rankings in the hope of coming up with a regional champion at the soonest possible time. We have laid down long-term goals for ARQ and foremost among them is to produce a world champion someday.”

As if an icing to their cake, all but two of ARQ’s seven fighters won their respective bouts.

Unbeaten flyweight contender April Jay “Astroboy” Abne and John Paul Gabunillas were the most impressive.

 The 22-year-old Abne stopped former Omega Gym stalwart Royder Lloyd Borbon with 36 seconds left in round three to stretch his immaculate slate to 6-0 now spiked with 3KOs.

Gabunillas, on the other hand, overcame a first-round knockdown on the way to pulling off a  fourth round TKO victory over the equally-tough Maurino Agum of Big Yellow Stable in a rousing performance that earned him a P10,000 bonus from ARQ big boss Jason Arquisola.

“I really don’t know that I was knocked down in the first round,” Gabunillas straightforwardly admitted during their thanksgiving party at San Remigio Pensionne Suites in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

“I know I still have a lot of things to improve on. I got to be patient and extra careful next time,” added Gabunillas, who improved his record to 4-1 with 3KOs.

Abne’s younger brother Ian Abne, Yeroge Gura, and Rodex Piala also emerged victorious.

April Abne scored a smashing first-round stoppage of Marvin Campos, Gura prevailed over Steven Noblefranca by unanimous decision, while Piala eked out a majority verdict over Vicente Casido.

It was not all jubilation though for the ARQ side as Zandro “Little Pacman” Librador stumbled right in his pro debut by unanimous decision at the hands of Reycar Auxilio of Big Yellow Stable, while Arniel Cañete bowed to Christopher Caburog via split verdict.