All-Filipino clash moved to Manila
IT is barely 10 months before we host the SEA Games starting late November and ending middle of December.
While we aren’t totally ready yet, venues-wise, it is fair to say that our leaders are working in feverish pitch to ensure success in the biennial meet.
I practically know all the men and women moving their butts out for the greatest sporting show in the region, among them Ricky Vargas and Butch Ramirez. Both are the twin jewels in the golden triangle behind the Games, with Alan Peter Cayetano completing the triad.
Vargas is president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Ramirez chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
As top gun of the Games’ organizing committee, Cayetano is overall strategist as he holds the key that will either unlock the event’s success or plunge the country to ignominy.
I had watched Vargas work at close range as we were together in Seoul some years back to mend our shattered fences with the Fiba (World Basketball Federation).
He has depth.
He has poise.
He has wisdom.
No wonder he defeated Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. Not just by using unlimited pa- 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 one-punch knockout.
Demecillo is 14-4-2 with eight knockouts, while Dasmarinas is 282-1 with 19 knockouts.
The winner of the fight will become the mandatory challenger of IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez.