THOUGH he has a clear advantage in experience and skill, undefeated up-and-comer Jack Tepora will still be mindful and keep his guard up against slugger Jason Tinampay tonight in the main event of Omega Pro Sports International’s new boxing series “Who’s Next?” at the Robinsons Galleria.
“I won’t take any chances,” said the 20-year-old Tepora. “He also has power. I’ll remain focused all the time in this fight.”
Tepora and Tinampay, who both tipped the scales at 121.4 pounds, are fighting for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia-Pacific super bantamweight strap.
But even though he’ll be extra careful against a very aggressive fighter with power in Tinampay, Tepora believes that if he sees an opening, then the night will be over for his opponent.
“If the opportunity of a knockout comes, then I’ll go for it,” he said.
The 20-year-old Tinampay, however, isn’t intimidated by Tepora’s credentials. In fact, he even believes that he has a chance of knocking him out and scoring a huge upset against one of Omega Boxing Gym’s flagship fighters.
“I’m very focused for this fight,” said the 20-year-old from Dagohoy Bohol. “We are both knockout artists, so we’ll never know.”
At stake
Tepora has been itching to break into the world rankings and a win should help him break into the top 15.
Three of Tepora’s four fights last year were impressive stoppage wins against experienced fighters Jason Egera, Marvin Tampus and Jilo Merlin.
Tepora has an impressive record of 16-0 along with 11 knockouts, while Tinampay is 8-2 with seven knockouts.
Vergilio Silvano (20-6-1, 12 KOs) is looking to bounce back against Fernando Ocon (13-10-1, 5 KOs) in the main supporting bout.
The 25-year-old Silvano is coming off back-to-back losses against prospects Jetro Pabustan and Aston Palicte.
Ocon, who has had success as a boxing coach, has lost five of his last seven bouts and is also eager to return to his winning ways.
In the undercard, Jerry Castroverde (7-2, 4 KOs) trades leathers with Ryan Quimbo (4-11-1) in an eight-rounder, Filjun Taneo (squares off with Anthony Galigao (4-8, 2 KOs), unbeaten Allan Villanueva (3-0, 3 KOs) locks horns with Macmac Baribar, RR Borbon (1-0-1, 1 KO) faces off with Russel Rosales and Mark Vicelles (1-0, 1 KO) is up against Ronald Cajes (0-1) in the show’s curtain-raiser.
