PP18 pugs to hold free sparring show today

AS fight night draws near for the Pinoy Pride XVIII: World Champion vs. World Champion, WBO Light Flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes along with stable mate and Asia-Pacific Super Bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania will display their preparedness for the tough grind ahead when they figure in a sparring session in front of their Cebuano boxing fans.

The activity which is hosted by the ALA Boxing Promotions and Gym, will be held tonight at the ALA Boxing and Fitness Gym in Banawa.

Giving Nietes a friendly, albeit tough workout tonight will be fellow Ilonggo boxer Arthur Villanueva for three rounds while Servania will be exchanging mitts with Roli Gasca.

The public sparring is held to gauge the boxers’ improvement after months of training for their March 2, 2013 fights at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Also in tonight’s public sparring are Jimrex “Executioner” Jaca who will spar with fellow welterweight Mark Acub while Mark Bernaldez and Ralph Lulu will go up against Pedro Balaba and Boyce Sultan.

Boyce Sultan, Brian Lobitania, Jojo “Flash” Intor, Juren Labordo, Jerson Mancio, Rey Morales, Roma Rate, Kazuma Ejiri and Servania’s younger brother Rolando will also be seen in action during the friendly sparring.

Admission is free and organizers will raffle out free tickets to the audience. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL