Palicte, Rodriguez to dispute Asia Pacific bantamweight belt

VINCENT “Popeye” Palicte (14-3-1, 7 KOs) and Frederix Rodriguez (8-2-1, 6 KOs) will fight for the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight belt on Aug. 11 in Mandaluyong City.

The WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight belt will be vacated by Aj “Bazooka” Banal as he fights Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu this October for the WBO world bantamweight crown vacated by Jorge Arce of Mexico.

Palicte, 26, a native from boxing-rich Bago City in Negros Occidental, was one time an amateur national boxing champion and was a win away from qualifying  for the Olympic Games.

As a professional fighter, he won the vacant WBC International title in Sept. 2009 at the San Andres Sports Complex. He lost that title in his first defense three months later in a fight held at the backyard of his challenger Carmelo Ballone of Belgium.

He had two fights this year. He won both as he beat Ryan Soliveres via a fourth-round knockout last March 11 in Mandaluyong City and won over Ricky Oyan last May 11 in Aparri.

Rodriguez, 24, won his first seven fights, five by knockouts in either the first or the second rounds. In his most recent fight, Rodriguez silenced John Paul Apolinario in the first round. That fight was held in Bukidnon last April 28.

The fight card is promoted by Joven Sports Promotions owned by Joven Jimenez.  Aside from being a promoter, Jimenez is also a manager and trainer at the Top Contender Boxing Gym in Muntinlupa City. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL