Taconing defends WBC int’l title tonite

World Boxing Council (WBC) international lightflyweight champion Jonathan Taconing defends his crown tonight against challenger Arnold Garde at the Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center on Sucat Road, Parañaque.

The event, promoted by sportsman-businessman Johnny Elorde in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Manila Premier, starts at 6 p.m.

Taconing, currently rated No. 3 in the WBC and No. 2 in the WBO, will be making his first defence of the crown he won by TKO Nov. 19, 2016 over Salatiel Amit. He has to convincingly win this bout to get another crack at the world championship either in the WBC or the WBO where he looms as the next challenger.

On the other hand, Garde who was recently approved by the WBC International committee headed by Mauro Betti, is a last-minute replacement for Armand dela Cruz as the latter was found unfit to box due to a tear in the retina. But Garde is no pushover as he has fought and won twice in regional championship bouts.

At the weigh-in conducted by the Games and Amusements Board yesterday at the Elorde Sports Center, Taconing’s weight was exactly at 108 lbs. while Garde was 107.5 lbs.

In the supporting main event, former WBC international champion Giemel Magramo will face John Mark Apolinario of JC Manangquil stable from GenSan while comebacking former OPBF champion Vinvin Rufino is pitted against Christian Saga.

Four-rounders will have Aljum Pelisio versus Precious Ian Cantero, Christian Victoriano vs John Jayvee Antonio, Delmar Pellio vs Jeffrey Labe and MJ Bo vs Robertson Abion. Details: Beth or May at 09390617319, 8250625, 8264463.