WBC Youth Intercontinental Flyweight Champion Anthony Villareal of California, USA and Cecilio “Boga” Santos of Mexico had a public workout at the ALA Gym at the Banilad town Center Monday afternoon as part of their preparations for their January 14 bouts against ALA boxers Milan Melindo and AJ Banal.
Unlike other boxers from Mexico and the U.S. who have fought here in the past, these two arrived in Cebu six days before their scheduled bouts. They have already acclimatized to the hot and humid weather and shook off their jet lag.
Santos skipped rope, shadow boxed and punished the heavy bag. He feels his experience will be his main advantage against Banal. He said his nickname “Boga” suggests his flamboyance with women.
Santos figured in a 12 round majority draw against then champion Dimitri Kirilov in an IBF superflyweight title bout in 2008.He has lost to world class opposition against Veerapol Sakraporn, Fernando Montiel and Anselmo Moreno.
Villareal on the other hand was as slick and speedy as advertised. He shadow boxed inside the ring then showed lightning fast combinations when he hit the punch mitts with his trainer. He is much taller than his challenger Melindo who will have to prepare for a long night.
The main protagonists and the boxers involved in the supporting bouts will be presented in a press conference Tuesday morning 11 AM at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.
The big boxing event dubbed as “Bakbakan Sa Sinulog!” is a joint venture between communication giant SMART Sports and TV5 with ALA Promotions to launch its entry into professional boxing.
California's Anthony Villareal (top) and Mexico's Cecilio Santos (above) of Mexico work out yesterday at the ALA Gym in Banilad, Cebu. Photos by Dong Secuya.
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