Gabunilas takes on Indon foe for WBO AsPac Youth crown

CEBU, Philippines — John Paul “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas has an added motivation when he steps into the ring for the first time this year.

And that is to win another regional title.

Fighting against a foreign opponent for the first time in his career, Gabunilas (9-1, 6KOs) shoots for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Youth light flyweight belt when he tackles Wandi Priman Hulu (2-0-1) of Indonesia in the main event of ARQ Sports Promotions’ “Engkwentro 9” on Friday, March 24, at the Talisay City Sports Complex.

The 22-year-old Gabunilas, ranked No.27 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), once held court in the OPBF Youth 108-pound division.

Now, he yearns to add the WBO AsPac strap on his waist.

“Akong ikapasalig nga buhaton nako tanan ang among gi-practice ug among plano sa matag training,” said Gabunilas, who is now residing in Perrelos, Carcar City.

“Dili lang ko mo-predict og knockout kay ga-training man pud ni akong kontra. Basta buhaton nako ang tanan kutob sa akong mahimo aron modaog aning awaya,” Gabunilas added.

In the supporting bouts, three ARQ stablemates of Gabunilas will be seeing action.

Ramil Macado, Jr. and Berland Robles will go up against Francis Jay Diaz and Ariston Aton, both of Cagayan de Oro City, respectively, while Angelus Pilapil will trade blows with Jay-ar Galleposo of Zamboanga City.

The rest of the card that will start at 1 p.m. pits Ronvex Capuloy of Big Yellow Gym vs Junriel Jimenez of Cebu City, and Kit Geron Garces and Marco Pumar of Prime Stag Stable against vs John Mark Hechanova of Surigao City and Anthony Galigao of Bohol.-- EBV