OPBF champ returns to Bohol

WORLD rated Carlo Magali packed up his training camp at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet to return home to his family in Talibon, Bohol.

Magali (32W-1L-0D, 28 KOs), the current Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight champion, was already preparing for his world championship fight against reigning WBC World Super Featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt of Mexico on February 10 in Mexico when disallowed by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) of the Philippines, through the recommendation of its Medical and Boxing Divisions, due to the lack of the required 45 days rest period of a boxer.

Magali previously won the regular OPBF title via a 10th round technical knockout against Japanese Masatoshi Kotani last January 13 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

“It’s ok, it was not really meant for us,” said Magali, who still lacks at least 15 days rest period according to GAB.

Magali, who is handled by Brico Santig of Highland International Boxing Promotions, said that he will now go back home to take care of the construction of his house in Talibon, Bohol.

“It still needs electrical connection,” said Magali, who also has a small sari-sari store in his house.

“Our house is not yet finished. I was hoping to finish if the world title fight pushed through,” said Magali, a father to one-yearold daughter.

Magali’s trainer, Ninolito Jalnaiz, was hoping the promoters would move the date of the fight. Magali was instead, replaced by Maxwell Awuku (44W-3L-1L, 30 KOs) of Ghana. PNA