UNDEFEATED ALA prospects Melvin Gumban and Mark Vincent Bernaldez are geared up for their respective matches in the Idol: Philippines Versus Indonesia card tonight at the Escalante City Coliseum in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
Both boxers from ALA Gym will spearhead the first fight card of the “Idol” series of ALA Boxing Promotions. The boxing series showcases young local prospects.
In the official weigh in yesterday, Escalante City’s Gumban (14-0, 6KOs) weighed in at 115 pounds. He will face Indonesian John Bajawa (11-4, 6KOs), who also tipped the scales at 115 pounds, in a 10-round contest.
Bernaldez (10-0, 6KOs) was half a pound lighter for his 124-pound weight division match against Marangin Marbun (21-10-1,9KOs) of Indonesia, who came in at 122.5 pounds.
Other boxers who also made weight were Mark Jessel “Magnifico” Magsayo of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, who weighed in at 125 pounds. His Ilonggo opponent, John Rey Melligen, weighed at 124 pounds. Both will fight for four rounds in the 126-pound division.
Richard Barrios and Ryan Canillas weighed in at 105 pounds. They will fight in a six-rounder in the undercard.
Other bouts include Richard Barrios versus Ryan Canillas, Kim Galon against Rico Eugis, Japanese Kazuma Ejiri against Jerome Baja, Geo Santisima versus Roniel Parcon and Raul Yu versus Diomedes Semella.
According to ALA Boxing Gym trainer Edito Villamor, he reminded his wards to focus on their fights and study their opponents’ styles.
“They have to do their best and do what they have trained,” said Villamor. “They have to adjust to their opponents’ styles so that their punches will be precise.” /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL