ESPN5 continues to support the emerging local boxing scene with two new events this Feb. 9 and 16.
Admission is FREE for both events, and will be aired live on 5 and via livestream on ESPN5.com.
On Feb. 9, at the Midas Hotel and Casino, ESPN5 and Sanman Promotions will showcase Interim WBA World Bantamweight Champion Reymart ‘Assassin’ Gaballo (20-0-0, 17KOs) as he faces off against Japanese prospect Yuya Nakamura (9-2-1, 7KOs), while Romero ‘Ruthless’ Duno (18-1-0, 14KOs) and India’s Kuldeep Dhanda (7-1-0, 1KO) will square off for the vacant World Boxing Association Asian Lightweight Title. The entertaining Dave ‘Dobermann’ Apolinario (9-0-0, 6KOs) will also look to continue his streak against Ramshane Sarguilla. Gates open at 5pm, and the fight will be aired 730pm.
Both fighters are more than ready to fight for their countrymen, with Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude Manangquil praising Gaballo’s work ethic. “Gaballo is hardworking… no doubt he is in line to be the Philippines’ next world champion.”
On Feb. 16, at the SM North Skydome, ESPN5 and Gerrypens Promotions will feature Dave ‘Hunter’ Peñalosa (14-0-0, 10KOs) in his first title match as he goes up against Mexico’s Marcos Cardenas (19-6-1, 15KOs) for the World Boxing Organization’s Oriental 126-lb belt. Former world champion Johnriel Casimero (25-4-1, 16KOs) returns to face Japan’s Kenya Yamashita (13-4-0, 10KOs), while knockout artist Jammes Martin (11-0-0, 10KOs) matches up with Thailand’s Petchchorhae Kokietgym (17-2-0, 8KOs), and Carlo Peñalosa (13-1-0, 6Kos) will fight another Thai boxer, Watana Phenbaan (18-5-0, 11Kos). Gates open at 7pm, and will air live starting at 9 p.m.
The Peñalosa camp notes the signature knockout power of their fighters, claiming that they look to extend their streak of early-round finishes from the ESPN5 and Gerrypens event last September 2018.
ESPN5’s commitment to Philippine boxing remains steadfast. “This is more than the search for the next worldwide boxing icon,” TV5 President Chot Reyes shares. “We have different boxing stables around the country producing top talent that can go up against the best in the world. We want the whole country to support our greatest warriors, and with ESPN5 broadcasting the fights live on free TV and digital, we not only give them a global stage—we put the whole world on alert.”
