PP 21 pugs in busy promo tour

Aside from their rigorous training, WBO Minimumweight World Champion Merlito “Tiger” Sabillo, OPBF superflyweight title-holder King Arthur Villanueva and former WBO bantamweight world championship contender AJ “Bazooka” Banal are also tasked to do their share of promoting the Pinoy Pride: When Worlds Collide mega card slated on July 13.

The three ALA boxers are scheduled to appear on ABS-CBN television shows to promote their fights which will be held in the luxurious Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila.

Today, they will appear on two top-rating TV shows. They are also invited to promote the card in the UAAP basketball games between the FEU Tamaraws and the UP Fighting Maroons in the first game and Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and De La Salle University Green Archers in the second game at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Plugging together with famous celebrities during ABS-CBN noon time show A.S.A.P will also be part of today’s hectic agenda.

On Monday, July 8, they will be in the Kapamilya Network’s early morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda to be followed by an in-depth interview with veteran sports caster Dyan Castillejo.

Sabillo (22-0, 11 KOs) will defend his title against WBO No. 6 contender Jorle Estrada (17-6, 6 KOs) of Colombia; Villanueva (22-0, 12 KOs) will go up against Mexico’s Arturo “Fuerte” Badillo while Banal (28-2-1, 20 KOs) will try to regain his lofty status against Mexican Abraham “Cholo” Gomez (18-7-1, 9 KOs).

The card’s final press conference on Thursday in Manila will allow the fighters to finally meet their respective rivals.

Estrada, Badillo and Gomez will arrive on Monday while Thai Phum Kunmat who will be fighting the undefeated Prince Albert Pagara (16-0, 11KOs) will arrive on July 10.

Pinoy Pride, the top-rating boxing show will be shown nationally through ABS CBN Channel 2 at 10 a.m. and Studio 23 at 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 14. The card will be telecast live via ABS CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) for international viewers in Asia, Europe, United States and the Middle East.

Tickets for Pinoy Pride XXI are available at all SM Cinemas nationwide and online via www.smtickets.com. For inquiries, contact ALA Promotions at (+6332) 505-9513 or visit its website at www.alaboxing.com. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL w/ pr