Esfra squares off with Torre in tonight’s Fight Ground

A well-known striker faces a veteran champion tonight in the third edition of the San Mig Strong Ice-Fight Ground Championship Series at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Former boxer turned pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Romelo “Mad Dog” Esfra, who is a pure striker, will take on five-time MMA defending champion Victor Torre in the main event of Back Fist Promotion’s fight card.

Esfra, who sports a 7-1 (win-loss) record, weighed in at 148 lbs while Torre came in at 128 lbs during the official weigh in at the Chill Out Restobar.

Torre still agreed to take the fight inside the octagon despite the huge difference since he is well known for his superb Brazilian Jiu-jitsu skills, which sets aside weight and height disadvantages.

Games and Amusement Board (GAB) and Backfist Promotions head Joseph Lanuza the weight problem between both fighters and ended up pushing through with the fight.

“Sa laban na lang titingnan. Di naman sa laki o bigat ng kalaban nalalaman ang tunay mong kalaban sa ring. Okay lang sa akin na mas mabigat siya. Gusto ko kasing lumaban kaya bakbakan na,” said Torre.

Esfra, on the other hand, said he will use his weight advantage.

Esfra shifted to MMA after he was not able to get into boxing fights anymore.

He is now an instructor of boxing at the Holiday Gym and Spa.

Meanwhile, Al De Zosa of Bullet Muay Thai stable weighed 144.5 lbs. He will fight Team Insider’s Adamson Torbiso, who tipped the scales at 135 lbs. Both are fighting in the co-main event.

Danny Diaz Jr. of Tiger Stable was heavier against his opponent Johnjier Torbiso of Durex Dragon after he weighed in at 143.25 lbs. His opponent weighed 131 lbs. /correspondent Dale G. Rosal