Boxing: Laurente, Elorde brothers face Indonesian opponents

MANILA, Philippines – Three Filipino boxers are slated to square off with Indonesian pugilists at the Johnny Elorde-promoted boxing event dubbed “Boxing Kontra Droga” on Friday, August 22 at the Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque City.

Veteran fighter Dennis Laurente is set to defend his WBC-affiliated Asian Boxing Council (ABCO) light middleweight title against Elly Pangaribuan.

Laurente (47-5-5, 28 knockouts), a 37-year-old native of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, was one of the country’s few world-rated boxers who has not yet received an opportunity to vie for a world title despite his respectable resume.  

A prizefighter since 1994, the 5-foot-8 southpaw has beaten the likes of Yosuke Otsuka, Somchai Nakbalee, Marvin Cordova Jr., Ben Tackie and Ayi Bruce.

Since ending his four-year stint in the United States after losing to Kenny Abril via split decision in November 2012, Laurente is now riding a four-fight knockout streak, which included an ABCO title-winning performance versus Manopnoi Singmanasak in August 2013.

Laurente, who moved up in weight for the third time in his boxing career when he faced Singmanasak in a 154-pound contest, is only fighting for the second time this year as he takes on an untested foe in Pangaribuan (3-3, 1 KO).

Aside from Laurente, Juan Martin and Juan Miguel Elorde, the grandchildren of legendary boxer and longest reigning junior lightweight champion Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, are also booked to slug it out with Indonesian imports on the aforementioned fight card.

Juan Martin “Bai” Elorde (15-1-1, 7 KOs) locks horns with Juniston Simbolon (7-11-1, 3 KOs) in a ten-round super featherweight encounter, while his younger brother Juan Miguel battles Paulus Baransano (0-3) in a ten-round featherweight match-up. – Rappler.com