Araneta hopes for third time lucky in world title eliminator

This is my moment.

Omega Boxing's top fighter Christian "The Bomb" Araneta (23-2, 18KOs) boldly declared this as he gears up for his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior flyweight elimination bout against fellow countryman Arvin "Hurricane" Magramo (17-1-1, 11KOs) headlining the groundbreaking fight card at the posh Nustar Resort and Casino.

The pride of Borbon town, north of Cebu already figured in two world title eliminators before but lady fortune wasn't on his side in both occasions.

Climbing into the ring with an injured shoulder, the previously unbeaten Araneta was stopped in the fourth by Mexican Daniel “Cejitas” Valladares in their IBF 108-pound title eliminator on September 8, 2019 at the Jose Sulaiman Arena in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Two years later, the 28-year-old Araneta scored a knockdown in the 12th and final round before dropping a highly questionable unanimous decision loss to South African Sivenathi Nontshinga in the latter's hometown in 2021.

Now that he's given a chance - for the third time, to fulfill his dream of fighting for a world crown, Araneta has vowed to make the most out of this golden opportunity that comes his way.

"Para ako na gyud seguro ni. Ako na gyud i-sureball nga makuha nato ang kadaogan. Dugay na kaayo ni nako gipangandoy nga makaduwa na gyud unta ug world title," Araneta said.

The winner of their 12-round rumble will earn a mandatory shot at reigning IBF light flyweight champion Adrian "Gatito" Curiel of Mexico.

"Ako gyud paninguhaon makuha ni nako nga duwa. Pareho man mi Pinoy sa akong kontra. Nangandoy siya makaduwa og world title, ako sad nangandoy pud mao nang manigurado gyud ko ani nga fight," he added.

Araneta is cognizant of the tough task at hand but he's ready to rise above the challenge that lies ahead of him.

"Mas andam ko karon. Sakto ko og training ug sparring gikan sa US. Ang ako lang ani ang pagdaog. Pressure fighter akong kontra, naa sad kusog ug maayo sad. Nindot gyud ning duwaa," Araneta ended.

MANNY VILLARUEL Cebuano light flyweight contender Christian Araneta (second from right) poses with Omega Sports Promotions president Pio Paulo Castillo (L), Omega Boxing head Andrew Singco (second from left), and head trainer Julius Erving Junco (R).