Philippines, 18 Sep 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


ZAMBOANGA VALIENTES CLAIM SWEET REVENGE ON LETRAN TO WIN SIBUGAY POCKET TOURNEY

PhilBoxing.com


The Zamboanga Valientes exacted sweet revenge on Letran Asenso Bancoro, securing a 91-81 victory to bag the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament title on Friday night at the Cultural & Sports Center in Sibugay.

Despite the relentless full-court press of the gutsy Knights, the Zamboanga Valientes held their ground, relying on clutch baskets from Zamboangueño heroes Job Alcantara and Reed Juntilla to build a commanding 72-57 lead heading into the final frame.

The Zamboanga Valientes managed to keep Letran at bay in the fourth, but the Knights refused to back down, cutting the lead to single digits after Nathan Montecillo calmly sank two free throws with 3:14 remaining.

With the momentum shifting, Vic Manuel and Kyt Jimenez took matters into their own hands and restored order for the Zamboanga Valientes, which was supported by Majority Leader Cong. Mannix Dalipe, Zamboanga Mayor John Dalipe, and 2025 senatorial candidate Ariel Querubin.

Manuel asserted his dominance in the paint, sinking a crucial basket before Jimenez electrified the roaring crowd with a dazzling crossover that shook off two Letran defenders and finished with a tough layup, pushing the score to 88-75, entering the final two minutes.

The Knights had no response as the Zamboanga Valientes secured the win, finally toppling the only team that bested them in the eliminations and capturing the championship along with a ₱700,000 prize.

“This championship is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players. They fought through every challenge and proved that we belong at the top. Winning this tournament means a lot, especially with our local talents stepping up,” said Zamboanga Valientes head coach Bobidick Delos Santos Jr.

Before their impressive showing in the final, the Zamboanga Valientes topped the elimination round with a 3-1 record, defeating collegiate powerhouses De La Salle University and College of St. Benilde, as well as professional team Basilan Starhorse.

Italian-Maltese center Sam Deguara, a crowd favorite in Sibugay, was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He finished with 24 points in the finale.

Manuel came up with 18 points, Jimenez tallied 14, while Forthsky Padrigao and Mike Tolomia added nine and eight points respectively in the win.

The Zamboanga Valientes’ mission of uplifting their homegrown talent was in full display throughout the tournament, with Rudy Lingganay, Tolomia Padrigao, Alcantara, and Juntilla making significant contributions on both ends of the floor, showcasing the depth of local talent that powered the Valientes to the championship.

“Winning this championship is truly special. The energy from the crowd was incredible, and our Zamboangueño players stepped up when it mattered most. Seeing them shine on this stage proves that Zamboanga basketball is alive and thriving. All glory to God! Arriba Zamboanga! Viva Valientes!,” said team owner Junnie Navarro.

Led by Navarro and backed by key supporters—including Grumpy Joe’s Benedict Fernandez, PeekUp’s Dave Almarinez, Cocogen, Midas, FGT Trading, Crewe Sharp’s Trevor Crewe, ZC Kings Manpower, and Nemesis Security Agency—the Zamboanga Valientes continue to provide opportunities for Zamboangueño athletes to showcase their talents on bigger stages.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • “Thrilla” card takes shape
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Wishing Best to Jayson Vayson in his World Title Challenge!
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Vayson aims to make history
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Day Two of 2025 USA Boxing National Open Delivers 108 Action-Packed Bouts in Tulsa
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Bryce Mills Boxes James Bernadin At del Lago Resort & Casino On Thursday, Oct. 30, in Waterloo, NY
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Caribbean Clash Returns Friday, November 7th at Gulfstream Park Casino in Hallandale, Florida
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • VM Sotto, City Council Recognize GM Joey Antonio
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • Larida is Southern Coach of the Year
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • D.C. Knockout Artist Scooter Davis Signs Promotional Contract with Top Rank
    , Thu, 18 Sep 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 15 SEPTEMBER 2025: Crawford Snatches Canelo's Undisputed Crown at 168 Lbs; Inoue Defeats Akhmadliev to Retain 4 Superbantam Belts; Crocker Outpoints Donovan
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • TICKET NEWS: EUBANK JR-BENN II ON SALE FROM THIS WEDNESDAY
    , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • “Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
    , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Canelo-Crawford: The Consolidation of Boxing’s New Commercial Empire
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • A New Era for Boxing: Canelo vs. Crawford Shatters Global Viewership Records on Netflix
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Crawford Not the First Lightweight to Distinguish Himself at Super Middleweight
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Kurt Scoby and Josh Popper Headline Boxing Insider Card September 19 in Times Square
    , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Green and Gold 2025: Amateur Boxing’s International Gathering in Bolivia
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 17 Sep 2025
  • Pakistan's Sameer Khan Set to Battle for UBO Youth World Title in Brico Santig’s Sep 27 Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • SAMBO Pilipinas is Southern NSA of the Year 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh To headline historic “Legacy Nights” Inaugural Pro Boxing event in El Salvador
    , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • Smarts over power
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • HALL OF FAME FLIES FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF FOR TWO-DIVISION CHAMPION RICKY HATTON
    , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • Kazakhstan tops the medal table at the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025 thanks to victory in the final bout of the competition
    , Tue, 16 Sep 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 13: JOE FRAZIER’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AS AN AMATEUR FIGHTER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 15 Sep 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.