By Carlos Costa  

MACO, Compostella Valley   —   Even though MP Promotions founder Manny Pacquiao is in the U.S. for his world title fight against Keith Thurman set for July 20, his MP Promotions team, together with his boxers and staff keep up the work, getting boxing hot for tomorrow’s 13-bout fight card here in the southern Philippine’s town of Maco in Compostela Valley, a couple hours drive from Manny Pacquiao’s hometown of General Santos City.

Earlier today, all twenty six boxers taking part in the card successfully made weight ahead of their exciting boxing show taking place on the eve of Fiesta Ng Maco, the traditional annual Roman Catholic celebration in this southern Mindanao town honoring The Holy Mother of Perpetual Help, which is celebrated here in Maco every last Saturday of the month of June, and this June is no exception.

In the main event, the tough “Destroyer” Arnold Garde (10-7-3, 4 KO’s) of Cotabato del Norte, weighed-in at 109 pounds, while his southpaw opponent former WBC International titlist Renz Rosia (14-8-1, 7 KO’s) of Negros Occidental made 108 lbs., for their battle for the Philippines Boxing Federation (PBF) Flyweight title today Friday, June 28, at Maco’s Municipal Gym.

In the undercards, the younger brothers of WBO minimumweight world champion Vic “Vicious” Saludar (19-3, 10 KO’s) are set to see action.    Vanjune Saludar weighed-in at 112 lbs., for his pro boxing debut against more experienced Jobab Lucas, who came-in at 112 pounds.  Their rumble is a hot 6-rounder in the flyweight division.

Also, minimumweight fighter Jakeson Saludar  —  same weight as his elder world champion  —   scaled-in at 104 lbs.  His foe Gerald Alvarez stepped-in heavier at 106 lbs.  Their war is a set to be an entertaining six-chapter battle that promises fireworks.  

In the co-main event, Bonjun Loperez of Angono, Rizal, recorded 108 pounds, while brave heart veteran fighter Richard Rosales got 109 for their 10-stanza non-title rumble.

Moreover, world-ranked IBF # 7 minimumweight fighter Rene Mark Cuarto (16-2-1, 9 KO’s), the promising fighter of MP Promotions who recently fought an IBF world title eliminator, recorded 107 lbs, while Mike Kinaadman weighed-in at 104 pounds for their eight-round clash.

In lightweights, Roman Catu scaled-in at 137 lbs as Romulo Ramayan stopped the needle a bit too high at 144 pounds, for which he is required to wear 10-ounces gloves.

Plus, hot lightweight prospect Criztian Pitt Laurente   —   a former amateur standout  —  got 131 lbs., while Rogelio Boyles made 120 pounds.  Their 4-rounder clash will be to kick-off fight for the evening of entertaining MP Promotions pro boxing.

Present during the weigh-in ceremony was the reigning WBO Minimuweight World Champion Vic “Vicious” Saludar, checking on his younger brothers seeing action in the undercard fights.

All bouts are sanctioned by Phiilppine’s Games and Amusement Board (GAB), supervised by GAB Official in Charge for Southern Mindanao Datu Fahd Yasser A. Sinsuat, together with veteran GAB Official John Kenneth Improso.

GAB Physician during weigh-in was Dra. Krista Grace Salinel Libo-on.   Timekeeper for today’s show is Jimson Mata.

Organizer for MP Promotions is Vanessa Neri.

Billed as ” Champions,” the fight event today Friday, June 28, here in Maco, Compostella Valley, is a production of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions in cooperation with Maco Vice Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire Rimando and the government of the Municipality of Maco in Compostella Valley, Philippines.

Photos by Carlos Costa

Carlos Costa is a Panama veteran man of boxing living the Philippines.   Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.comand by whatsapp/viber/messenger/wechat: +639184538152.