CEBU, Philippines — ARQ Stable’s top fighters April Jay “Astroboy” Abne and John Paul “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas punched their way into the world rankings in a small but morale-boosting step in their fistic journey.
In the most latest ratings released by the World Boxing Council (WBC) yesterday, Abne regained his lofty position at No.31 in the flyweight (112 lbs.) division, while Gabunilas leapfrogged from nowhere to No.39 in the light flyweight (108 lbs.) class.
Abne (8-1, 4KOs), from Manticao, Misamis Oriental, is the reigning OPBF Silver flyweight champion, while the Cebu City-native Gabunilas (6-1, 5KOs) currently holds the OPBF Youth light flyweight belt.
Both are coming off spectacular victories in ARQ’s “Engkwentro Kwatro” last March 19 at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club in Barangay Pardo, Cebu City.
Abne scored a sweet redemption with a fifth-round stoppage of Garen Diagan while Gabunilas pulled off a stunning first-round knockout of WBF Intercontinental minimumweight titlist Clyde Azarcon.
Abne and Gabunilas hope to sustain their momentum as they take centerstage anew in the “Engkwentro Cinco” fightcard slated on May 21 at the Bonifacio Bacaltos Sports and Cultural Centrum in Sibonga town south of Cebu. — EBV