ARAW NG DABAW: Free boxing at Rizal Park on March 17

DAVAO City -- Two title-fights in professional boxing will be featured in this year?s Araw ng Dabaw Boxing at the Rizal Park set on March 17, Saturday at 1 p.m.

The exciting boxing card, which is free to the public, is supported by world boxing champion Rep. Manny Pacquiao of Sarangani Province, former Korean amateur wrestling champion-turned boxing supporter Jung Wan Hwa and the city government of Davao.

This is jointly promoted by comebacking lady boxing promoter Yolly Alfante, Vicente ?Teng? Adriano and former Philippine bantamweight champion Mario Sumalinog.

?We want to bring back professional boxing alive here again in Mindanao,? said Alfante, who grew up in boxing here in Davao City in the 60s.

Pitted in the two main championship bouts are Elpher Paganpan of Davao against Robert Liparanon of Upi, Maguindanao and Jog Alim of Malita, Davao del Sur against Ruben Santillanosa of Bislig, Surigao.

Paganpan of the Yolly Alfante Stable and Liparanon of Frank Palamaoo Stable will fight for the vacant featherweight title (125 lbs.) while Alim of VJA Stable and Santillanosa also of FP Stable will vie for the vacant junior featherweight crown (122 lbs.) both in the Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (Minproba).

Two pairs of lady boxers plus four other bouts will also be included in the boxing card sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

Former Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) champion Philip Parcon of Davao, who had a short stint in the mixed martial arts competition, is making a comeback in boxing to fight against Rowel Garcia of Koronadal City for six rounds in the 112-pound division.

The other pairs in the undercard: Allan Doronilla vs. Renante Suacasa (6 rds.-112 lbs.), Cheralie Dagit vs. Joylyn Marfil (4 rds.-110 lbs.), Anabelle Herbolario vs. Graces Estrerra (4 rds.-112 lbs.), Jessie James Boiles vs. Armando Yee (4 rds.-106 lbs.), Joei Canete vs. Dondon Amparado (4 rds.-122 lbs.).