Sink-or-swim for Jack Tepora in South Africa

MANILA, Philippines – On the heels of Milan Melindo’s brave victory over Hekkie Budler this past weekend, another Cebu-based boxer hopes to boost his career at the expense of a South African foe as Jack Tepora risks his unbeaten record versus Lusanda Komanisi this Friday, September 22.

It’ll be a sink-or-swim affair for the 24-year-old Tepora (20-0, 15 knockouts) as he faces the heavy-punching Komanisi (21-3, 18 KOs) in his first fight outside of the Philippines with the vacant WBO intercontinental featherweight title at stake. Should he be the victor at the Orient Theatre in East London, South Africa, Tepora’s promoter hopes a world title shot follows soon after.

“This fight will be a stepping stone for his career. We want him to be in a world title fight if he is successful in this one,” said Tepora’s promoter Pio Paulo Castillo, president of Omega Pro Sports International.

The fight is a big step-up in competition for Tepora, a southpaw boxer-puncher who has faced light competition since turning pro in 2012. A planned bout between Tepora and Mexico’s Emmanuel Dominguez, scheduled for July 7 in Bohol, was nixed when Christian Araneta was injured, who was scheduled to fight in the co-featured bout, pulled out with an injury.

Now Tepora steps up to featherweight, and he’s gotten plenty of advice from Roli Gasca, the Cebu-based fighter who fought Komanisi to a split-decision loss in 2014 but was knocked out in 5 rounds in their rematch the following year.

“ I’m not sure,” said Gasca of Tepora’s chances of the road win “because Lusanda has a power punch.”

“But I already advised Tepora not to stay on just one side.”

Tepora had prepared for the elevation of South Africa by training in Baguio City and is accompanied by Omega head trainer Jinggoy Junco and his brother Jellyper “Jing-jing” Tepora. – Rappler.com