Spotlight on Jhack Tepora
Tepora stakes unbeated record in title-defense vs. Capangpangan in Who’s Next? tonight
THE spotlight is set on unbeaten super bantamweight Jhack Tepora when he defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth Asia-Pacific belt against his stiffest test thus far, 20-year-old Bryan Capangpangan, tonight in “Who's Next?” 2 at the Robinsons Galleria.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions like – is he the real deal, does he have what it takes to be a world champion or is he the future star of the sport?
But despite everybody's high expectations, WBO No. 12 ranked Tepora isn't affected by it at all.
“I don't feel any pressure at all because I believe in myself,” said a confident Tepora. “I'll try to score points early on and if there is an opportunity to knock him out, then I'll knock him out.”
Tepora just barely made the 122 weight limit, while Capangpangan was well below the super bantamweight border at 120 ½ pounds at yesterday's weigh-in at Robinsons Fuente.
“I was confident that I already made the weight,” said Tepora, who was over a pound before the weigh- in and had to shed off the excess weight. “But that won't affect my condition for tomorrow ( tonight).”
Though up against a very talented fighter that has the potential of becoming big in the sport, Capangpangan isn't intimidated by Tepora's credentials.
“I know he is strong and undefeated but I'll put pressure on him. His best punch is his right straight and I'll be ready for it,” said the soft-spoken Capangpangan, who's born in Cebu City but grew up in Iligan. “I'm very confident in this fight and I believe that I'll steal the belt from him.”
The 21-year-old Tepora is 17-0 with 12 knockouts, while Capangpangan is 10-2-1 with seven knockouts.
Kenny Demecillo (10-3-2, 7 KOs) defends his World Boxing Federation (WBF) Asia-Pacific bantamweight strap against Rambo Lagos (8-1-2, 5 KOs) in what should be an explosive co-main event.
Hard-hitting Christian Araneta (11-0, 9 KOs) trades leathers with Charlie Cabilla (14-18-4, 2 KOs) in a rematch.
Former Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga makes his much-anticipated pro debut in a featured four-rounder against 19-year-old upstart Melvin Manangquil (1-1-2, 1 KO).
“I don't expect a knockout but rather a good fight,” said the one-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, who has logged more than 500 amateur fights.
Barriga was supposed to make his transition to the pro ranks last month but his fight was postponed in the last minute after his opponent was diagnosed with Hepatitis.
In the undercard, Jimboy Haya (8-22, 5 KOs) squares off with battle-scarred veteran Fabio Marfa (25-30-4, 12 KOs), Filjun Taneo (5-1, 3 KOs), takes on Lenmar Prescillas (2-1, 1 KO), undefeated 18-year-old Tomjune Mangubat (4-0, 4 KOs) slugs it out with Arnel Acebuque (45, 4 KOs), Mark Vicelles (2-0, 2 KOs) is up against Jesrel Corabal (0-1) and Marjun Piencenaves faces off with Rolien Getalada (0-1).