Pinoy Pride XXII rumbles tonight at W’front Hotel

WBO Asia Pacific Super Bantamweight champ Genesis “Azukal” Servania (22-0, 8KOs) and former WBA World Light Flyweight champion Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion of Panama both weighed at the division limit of 122lbs during yesterday’s official weigh-in as the greenlight is flashed for the much-anticipated Pinoy Pride XXII: The Revenge slated at 6 tonight at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The weigh-in was done at the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu.

Servania and Concepcion will duel for the WBO Intercontinental Super Bantamweight title.

According to Servania, he was advised by fellow ALA Boxer AJ “Bazooka” Banal (29-2-1, 21KOs) to be cautious all the time. Banal lost to Concepcion in 2008 via 10th round knock-out when they fought for the WBA Interim World Super Flyweight title.

“He told me that I have to be careful all the time because Concepcion is a power puncher and a brawler,” Servania said.

“I’ll play my own game and try not to be distracted by his antics. I am pumped up to knock him out and avenge Banal,” Servania added.

Concepcion and Servania also electrified the packed Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu crowd when they made the traditional stare down where they exchanged heated words. Concepcion’s handler Carlos Costa stepped in to avoid trouble.

Concepcion hurriedly left the venue after the weigh-in.

VILLANUEVA EYES KO WIN

Meanwhile, ALA Boxing Gym stalwart “King” Arthur Villanueva (23-0, 13KOs) and his opponent, Mexican Edgar “Chololo” Martinez (16-7,10KOs) both tipped the scales at 115lbs. They will figure in a 12-round showdown for the WBO International Super Flyweight title in the card’s co-main event.

According to Villanueva, he will just study Martinez’s style in the first round since he was not able to find the latter’s fight tape. The unbeaten boxer though, promised to score an impressive victory.

“I know he is on a six-fight win streak but I am confident that I can knock him out because most Mexican boxers can easily get hit because they love to brawl. I just hope the jackpot of hitting him hard will come early,” Villanueva said.

Meanwhile, Roli ‘Zuma’ Gasca (20-4-1; 5 KOs) will be fighting a heavier Lande Olin (11-4), who is 4lbs heavier than the 122lbs catch weight. Gasca perfectly weighed in at 122lbs. ALA Trainer Edito Villamor demanded that Olin shed off at least two to three pounds.

Thai Khunkiri Wor Wisaruth (10-5-1) also weighed in at 126lbs, two pounds heavier than the 124lbs catch weight while his opponent Mark Vincent “Machete” Bernaldez (11-0; 7 KOs) came at an exact 124lbs.