Search for next Filipino ring superstar intensifies in Ultimate Boxing Series

MANILA, Philippines – A select group of 20 fighters will showcase their talent in the Ultimate Boxing Series: Kamaong Pinoy kicking off in June.

Most of them unbeaten, the 10 flyweights and 10 bantamweights will figure in a knockout single elimination to determine the champion of the reality series to be aired on ESPN5.

Aside from the bouts, the series will also show the boxers’ training and conditioning, plus their backgrounds in collaboration with Gerry Pens Promotions.

The fighters from different boxing stables in the country trained in one roof under the watchful eyes of two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa, who conducted the tryouts and evaluated the fighters.

All the participants have less than 10 fights under their belts. 

According to Peñalosa, he made sure that none of the fighters is a “nuisance candidate,” meaning all are deemed capable of becoming the next Filipino boxing superstar.

“The search for the next dominant Pinoy boxer can come from anywhere and bring something new to the table – a new stable, a new boxing style, a new motivation,” said ESPN5 president Chot Reyes.

The first round of eliminations – to be held at TV5’s Novaliches building – will pit featherweight Ronel Sumapong against Ruben Dadivas, Joseph Bayubay against Chrsitopher Furog, Ian Refula against Welben Montere, April Jay Abne against Ronel dela Cruz, and Denmak Quibido against Rey Tagulaylay. 

The bantamweight tussles put Lenard Sarcon against Ramon Rama, Dave Barlas against Alium Pelesio, Lenjun Retuerto against Gary Tamayo, John Mark Tihuk against Luis Evander Borje, and Ken Jordan against Kevin Aseniero in the swing bout.

Former world champions Rolando Navarette, Dodie Boy Peñalosa, and Johnriel Casimero, and Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco graced the launching with rising fighters Carlo Peñalosa and Dave Peñalosa. – Rappler.com