Silvano battles Purisima for vacant title tonight

VIRGILIO “Maton” Silvano of the Omega Boxing Gym will fight for the vacant WBO Oriental junior flyweight title today against Jetly Purisima of Gen. Santos City at the Balamban Sports Complex in Balamban town, western Cebu.

The fight card will also feature former WBO superflyweight world champion Marvin Sonsona and world ranked flyweight Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar. Both will be returning to action against different foes.

Silvano weighed in at 107 pounds while Purisima stepped on the scales at 107.5 pounds during the official weigh-in held yesterday noon. The official weigh-in was at the Omega Gym in Mabolo, Cebu City and was supervised by Rolando Mendoza and Glen Agena. Witnessing the proceedings and presiding over the rules of the meeting was WBO VP for Asia-Pacific Leon Panoncillo.

The 23-year-old Silvano (16W-2L-1D, 10 KOs) is the reigning Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) light flyweight titlist. In his last fight in February, he beat Louie Arlos by unanimous decision in Dalaguete, Cebu.

The 25-year-old Purisima (17W-12L-4D, 5 KOs) is a hardened road warrior who has fought in Thailand and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Marvin Sonsona makes his return after more than a year of absence from the ring as he fights as a superfeatherweight against battle-tested Jason Egera of Siaton, Negros Oriental.

Sonsona was weighed at 130 pounds while Egera stepped in at 128.5 pounds.

Saludar, who has not seen action since September of last year, will face road warrior Julios Alcos. Saludar weighed 113.5 pounds while Alcos was heavier at 122 pounds. Alcos will wear the heavier gloves on fight night.

This fight card, which will also have six undercard bouts, is presented by International Pharmaceticals,Inc. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre, Jr.