JACA, DELADA JOIN MURAD CAMP

Two more outstanding Filipino boxers are set to join the promotional outfit of American boxing promoter Murad Muhammad, bringing to three the new faces who will soon be seeing action in bigtime boxing in the United States.

Cebuano kingmaker Rex "Wakee" Salud, who has so far produced three world champions, said he is excited at the prospect of sending lightweight Dexter Delada and junior lightweight Jimrex Jaca.

The promotional agreement between Salud and Muhammad is expected to be finalized in September during a meeting arranged by North Cotabato Governor Manny Pinol, a long-time boxing patron who is also actively involved in boxing promotions and is currently hosting a weekly boxing program on TV.

Delada, 22, a native of Camiguin Island in the Central Philippines, has a sterling record of 12 wins, 2 losses with 10 kos and is considered as one of the top knockout artists of the country.

Jaca (pronounced Ha-ka), 25, of Cebu City has an equally brilliant record of 23 wins, 1 loss with 10 kos.

Both boxers will fight for the Philippine title in their respective divisions in October before leaving for the US to undergo training refinements under Murad's trainer Buddy McGirt.

Earlier, Governor Pinol facilitated the entry of reigning Philippine junior bantamweight champion Eric Barcelona to the Murad camp following a verbal agreement between Murad and Barcelona's manager, Leonel Lazarito of Bukidnon province.

Barcelona is eyeing the World Boxing Association (WBA) jr. bantamweight title of Mexican Martin Castillo.

"The problem between Murad and Manny Pacquiao has been settled amicably. Besides, I personally believe that Murad has what it takes to help a lot of Filipino boxers get the recognition that they deserve," Governor Pinol said.

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