Filipino boxers Pagcaliwangan, Farenas sign with US promoter

MANILA, Philippines – Unbeaten Filipino-Canadian Marc Pagcaliwangan and two-time world title challenger Michael Farenas have signed a promotional deal with New York-based Star Boxing, which is headed by veteran dealmaker Joe DeGuardia.

Both Pagcaliwangan (9-0-1, 7 knockouts) and Farenas (41-5-4, 33 KOs) are managed by Germaine Gillies and Bill Halkias, and are looking to return to the ring in 2017 after not fighting at all in 2016.

“Gwapo” Pacgaliwangan, 26, of London, Ontario, Canada is unbeaten since turning professional in 2012 and hasn’t yet fought outside of his country of birth. He traveled to Los Angeles and Las Vegas earlier this year to train with Nonito Donaire Jr and run with Manny Pacquiao before their fights in November.

He plans to relocate to Oxnard, California and be trained by Robert Garcia, the 2012 Trainer of the Year awardee by the Boxing Writers Association of America, according to a release.

“I have a solid management team now so I know I’ll have all the proper support to make my march toward a world title,” Pagcaliwangan is quoted as saying.

Farenas, 32, of Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines has experience fighting competitively against top 130-pounders Takashi Uchiyama and Yuriorkis Gamboa and will begin campaigning at 135 pounds. He is coming off two straight knockout wins in the Philippines in 2015 and is a fixture in the Pacquiao camp.

He’s currently based in Los Angeles, where he trains with Freddie Roach protege and fellow Filipino Marvin Somodio.

“I know I have a lot of fight left in me and I know that I’m fighting at lightweight. I’m a stronger fighter today and I’m looking forward to a new beginning with my new team in place,” says Farenas, a 12-year pro.

DeGuardia, a native of The Bronx, New York, has had a hand in the careers of former champions Antonio Tarver, Demetrius Andrade and Chris Algieri. – Rappler.com