Michael Dasmariñas and Reymart Gaballo hold the best chance of joining the ranks of Filipino world boxing champions
Michael Dasmariñas’ title shot is being worked out while Reymart Gaballo should be given a crack at the regular belt.
Among Filipino boxers, Dasmariñas and Gaballo have the best chances of joining the ranks of world champions, which include their countrymen Manny Pacquiao, Johnriel Casimero, Jerwin Ancajas, and Pedro Taduran.
As the mandatory challenger since 2019, Dasmariñas has the right to chase the Japanese ‘Monster’ Naoya Inoue’s World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation bantamweight crowns.
It’s the reason MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons has been in talks with Inoue’s handlers, Bob Arum of Top Rank and Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions, for a title duel either in March or April.
If it pushes through, Dasmariñas, who holds a 30-2-1 record with 20 knockouts, will be the big underdog against the unbeaten Inoue (20-0, 17 knockouts).
Even as the Inoue fight has yet to be set, Dasmariñas is already in training mode in Bangar, La Union, making sure he’ll be ready if Gibbons gets the confirmation from the Inoue camp.
After besting former world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez for the World Boxing Council interim bantamweight title in Uncasville, Connecticut, Gaballo arrived in General Santos City on New Year’s Eve.
According to JC Manangquil, head of Sanman Promotions which handles Gaballo, they will talk about the possible fights after the holidays.
“I want him to enjoy the holidays first because he’s been away from his family since the (COVID-19) pandemic,” said Manangquil, who is optimistic Gibbons would be able to secure the best fight for Gaballo, now 24-0 with 20 knockouts. – Rappler.com
