Palicte has matured - Neri

KNOCKOUT artist Aston "Mighty" Palicte, reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF)World Youth super flyweight champion, has already matured as a fighter according to his chief trainer Raides "Nonoy" Neri.

"Hindi na siya nanggigigil sa laban di kagaya ng dati na gusto nya kaagad na ma-knockout ang kalaban," said Neri during an exclusive intervew after the official weigh-in of the "Tibay ng Pinoy 8" held Friday at the Family Country Hotel in General Santos City.

"He has matured already," said Neri.

Palicte (17W, 15KOs, 1L), a native of Bago City will fight Luzon Professional Boxing Association (Luzproba) super flyweight king Michael Escobia (10,1, 2KO, 9L, 1D) of Bohol in the undercard.

Palicte captured the IBF Youth world super flyweight title by knocking out Jomyuthlek Sor Naronghcia in the first round last Jan. 31, 2015 at the USEP Gym.

The 24-year old hardpuncher then TKO'd in the 7th round Ismael Garnica last March 7 at Cotai Arena in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Algeire fight.

Escobia, a Luzproba champion has a record of 10 wins, 9 loses, 1 draw.

Palicte was supposed to fight in the undercard of Fight of the Century between Pacquiao and the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas.

But he arrived late already in the US for his visa.

"Nanood na lang siya sa laban. Pero next time ilalaban na namin siya," said Neri. - LITO DELOS REYES

Photo: Aston Palicte (right) with Michael Escobia during the official weigh-in Friday at the Family Country Hotel in General Santos City. Also in photo are (from left) assistant trainer Rene Inocian, co-promoter Joven Jimenez and Games and Amusements Board supervisor Kenneth Improso. (PHOTO BY TOMMY INIGO).