ALL-FILIPINO CLASH MOVED TO MANILA
Demecillo vs Dasmariñas bout on March 23 moved from Singapore to Manila
The all-Filipino International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title eliminator between No. 3 ranked Kenny Demecillo and No. 4 rated Michael Dasmariñas has been moved to an earlier date and at a different location.
The fight for the mandatory challenger spot of the IBF bantamweight crown is now slated on March 23 at the Midas Hotel in Manila.
“We have no problem with that (change). He’s still on schedule,” said Omega Pro Sports International (OPSI) vice president Jerome Calatrava.
The bout was originally scheduled on March 29 in Singapore but the change suits Demecillo.
“I like Manila because it’s closer,” said Demecillo.
The 26-year-old Demecillo kicked off his training camp last month and has been sparring with some of his stablemates Christian Araneta, Mark Vicelles and Ponciano Remandiman.
“My training is going great. My conditioning is great. I’m close to getting ready for the fight,” said Demecillo.
According to Calatrava, Demecillo will be sparring with southpaw Joy Joy Formentera next week.
The Demecillo vs. Dasmariñas fight is the first high-profile all-Filipino fight of 2019.
The fight is expected to be an all-out war as Demecillo is known for his solid chin and his exciting brawling style, while Dasmariñas is a heavy-hitter who has a onepunch knockout.
Demecillo is 14-4-2 with eight knockouts, while Dasmarinas is 28-2-1 with 19 knockouts.
The winner of the fight will become the mandatory challenger of IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez.