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Philippines, 16 Feb 2026 |
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ON EVE OF TITLE BOUT, ABANIEL DECLARES: "I WILL WIN THIS FIGHT." PhilBoxing.com Sat, 01 Dec 2012  As she stepped on the scales at the weigh-in today for her world title fight Sunday in Makati City, the Philippines' Gretchen Abaniel had a steely look of determination that spoke of a laser-like focus on the job at hand. It?s been a rough couple of years for the diminutive but rugged Filipina, having lost her Women?s International Boxing Association(WIBA) minimum weight belt, and tasting defeat in three out of her last four fights. But on Sunday, December 2nd, Abaniel(11-4, 2KOs) will get a second chance to get her career back on track when she faces Thailand?s Modthanoi Sithsaithong (5-1 3KOs) for the now vacant belt. The fight, billed as the ?Battle of Makati?, takes place starting at 2pm at Makati Cinema Square. At 27 years old, Abaniel has been around long enough to know you don?t get many second chances, and that if she wants to achieve greatness, the road either starts or ends right now. ?This is a must win fight for me,? Abaniel said after she weighed in a 100lbs, two pounds under the 102lb limit. ?I?ve had a few down times recently and this fight is the big stepping stone to get to the next level. I want to fight the best women boxers in the world and I want to unify the different belts. I want to take this belt. I will win this fight.? Standing in the way of the native of Puerto Princesa, Palawan and now Makati City resident is Sithsaithong whose 5-1 record doesn?t tell the complete picture of her fighting past. Sithsaithong has had 50 Muay Thai fights, compiling an impressive 40-10 record. The Thai challenger weighed in at only 97lbs. The weigh-in took place at the brand new Team Insider Sports Bar, which sits in the lobby of the new Tune Hotel in Makati City. The Battle of Makati is all part of a new push into boxing for Team Insider Promotions, led by British businessman and long-time Philippine resident Jonathan Thorp. Thorp has long had a love affair with Philippine boxing and started the Team Insider Gym in Makati several years back. Thorp has promised to take Philippine boxing to the next level with big time promotions in the coming year. Indeed Sunday?s card promises just about something for everyone. In a ten round bantamweight bout, Roman ?Hitman? Canto(7-0, 2KO?s) seeks to keep his unbeaten streak going as he faces Indonesia?s Ruben Manakane(9-9, 6KO?s). Although Manakane?s record indicates he?s tasted plenty of leather, he went the distance with Filipino top rated bantamweight AJ Banal this past July. Another Team Insider prospect, Ricky Dulay,(2-0) will be showcasing his wares in a six round bout against Gilbert Donasales(4-5-1). Dulay nearly made the Philippine Olympic team for this year?s London Olympics and turned pro after failing to grab a spot. Also on offer on Sunday?s show will be several amateur bouts featuring expats, plus a mixed martial arts scrap, and several Muay Thai fights. But perhaps the most anticipated fight of the day will be the return to the ring on none other than Mansueto ?Onyok? Velasco. Velasco won a silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in a controversial final where he appeared to dominate his opponent. Velasco hasn?t fought since and has carved out a successful career on television. Now, however, ?Onyok? will step into the ring for the first time since his heartbreak in Atlanta for a three round exhibition. Velasco, who is now a part of the Team Insider stable and serves as the head trainer, was one of the big attractions at today?s weigh-in. ?This is going to be fun,? Velasco said laughing while he posed for photos. ?Maybe I can finally win a gold medal.? Also making an appearance, and a pose down, will be world-renowned Filipina body builder Luz McClinton. The 33 year old former Pinoy Big Brother housemate, who?s also part of the Team Insider stable, recently captured the World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Southwest US Championship in Oklahoma, USA. The Battle of Makati begins at 2pm inside Makati Cinema Square, Makati City. Tickets are P300 for ringside and P100 general admission. The event is being sponsored by Mega Sports World, Tune Hotels, Team Insider Gym, Team Insider Sports Bar, Red Horse Beer, Etihad Airlines, Howzat Bar, Bay Caf? Manila, Savoy Bistro Makati, Rogues Bar Makati, Makati Square, Big Apple Dive Resort Puerto Galera, Mulligans Irish Gastro Pub, Twins Boxing Gear, and Monster Energy Drink. For more information please visit www.insider.ph. Call 8998124 & 8995793  |
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