Apolinar, Vicelles ready to rumble

CEBU, Philippines — Omega Gym standouts Pete “Thunder” Apolinar and Mark “Rasta Man” Vicelles both foresee a difficult battle ahead as they take on separate foes in the co-main event of Omega Sports Promotions’ “Kumbati 10” card this Saturday, July 3, at the IPI Sports and Recreational Complex in Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City.

Apolinar (14-1, 8KOs), who won three straight bouts since the pro boxing restart at the height of the pandemic in October last year,heads to the biggest fight in his career against Jess Rhey Waminal (14-3-1, 8KOs)for the vacant OPBF Silver featherweight belt.

The task at hand may seem tough but the the 26-year-old pride of San Pablo City, Laguna is ready to rise above the challenge.

“Sa pagiging handa po, wala po kaming araw na sinayang ni coach Junco,” said Apolinar. “Sa mga training days namin, from skills to mitts, in all aspects po ang training namin together with our conditioning coach Ernest (Ybanez). Di po kami nila pinababayaan lalo na po sa management nang Omega Sports Promotions. Solid po yung support na binibigay sa amin ni sir Paulo (Castillo) at VP Jerome Calatrava. 100 percent prepared na po ako.”

“Gagawin ko lang po sa laban ay ipakita at ibigay ko po lahat ng pinaghirapan namin nga team sa loob nang mahigit 2 months na training namin. Ang maipapangako ko lang po ay isang magandang laban. The rest is pinauubaya ko na po kay Lord,” added Apolinar, who beat Juanito Paredes by unanimous decision in his previous march two months ago.

Ditto with the WBC No.6 light flyweight contender Vicelles (13-0-1, 7KOs), who will slug it out with Jerven Mama (12-0-1, 7KOs) of Sanmam Gym in a showdown of undefeated ring gladiators.

“I have to train and prepare hard knowing that he’s (Mama) also undefeated,” said the 25-year Vicelles, who is coming off a smashing knockout victory over Richard Rosales last March 27. “I plan to pressure him because he’s good in distance fight and he’s also quick.”

“I will try my best to win because this fight is for my family and for my hometown Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. I can’t say if I’m going to knock him out because we’re both training hard. Whatever happens, I will leave it all to the Lord. I only pray that we’re both safe and sound at the end of the fight,” Vicelles added.

If victorious, Vicelles said he hopes to have a ring date with either WBO light flyweight champion Elwin Soto or WBC titlist Ken Shiro in the future.

“That is something I really look forward to,” said Vicelles.