Palicte ready to face Rodriguez for vacant WBO Asia Pacific belt

VINCENT “Popeye” Palicte (14-3-1, 7 KOs)  of Bago City, Negros Occidental said he is in tip-top shape for his Aug. 16 fight for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title against Bukidnon’s Frederix Rodriguez (8-2-1, 6 KOs) at the Mandaluyong City Sports Complex.

 
“I am prepared for this fight, physically and mentally,” said the 26-year-old Palicte, who is managed by Jason Soong of Planet Jupiter Boxing Gym of Makati City. “I have been training for this fight for four months and sparred over a hundred rounds because I don’t want to waste this opportunity given to me.”

 
The title was recently relinquished by AJ “Bazooka” Banal of the famed ALA Boxing Gym after he is scheduled to fight for the WBO world bantamweight championship on Oct. 20 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena against Thai Pungluang Sor Singyu.

 
Palicte had two fights this year so far. He beat Ryan Soliveres via a fourth-round knockout in last March 11 and scored another KO win over Ricky Oyan last May 11. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL