MHAR Jhun Macahilig has slowly been making a name for himself in the local boxing scene. He had an impressive display in his last fight, with an easy destruction of a tough veteran, former world title challenger in Kaichon Sor Vorapin.
This time the 21-year-old Kalibo, Aklan native is in for another acid test as he steps in with a young former world title contender, Arden Diale, in the latest installment of Cobra Energy Drink ?Tunay na Lakas Boxing? on April 14 at the Bay Center in Bacolod City.
Macahilig is challenging Diale for the latter?s PH flyweight crown in a 12-round affair.
Macahilig has had his share of tough opponents, including the 30-year-old Sor Vorapin, whom he knocked out in the second round last Jan. 28, and Filipino prospects Jermie Jabel and Mark Anthony Geraldo.
The 23-year-old Diale could be his toughest opponent to date because aside from being a one-time world title challenger, he has also faced two elite warriors, Rodel Mayol and interim International Boxing Federation light flyweight king Johnriel Casimero.
After losing his only world title fight against then World Boxing Organization flyweight champion Julio Cesar Miranda in Mexico last year by a fourth round technical knockout, Diale has won his last three fights. He won the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Youth flyweight crown against erstwhile unbeaten youngster Lolito Sonsona.
Macahilig is 14-1 with eight knockouts, while Diale is 17-6-3 with four knockouts.
Two up-and-coming unbeaten youngsters, Melvin Gumban and Mark Acub, are seeing action in the undercard.
Gumban (8-0, 3 KOs) will be tested against journeyman Nelson Llanos (22-27-3, 9 KOs), while the heavy-handed Acub (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on 19-year-old newcomer Rocky Sismundo (0-1-1).
Also in the undercard, Juren Labordo (2-0, 1 KO) locks horns with fellow undefeated prospect Engelbert Moralde (2-0, 2 KOs); Rey Morales (2-0) slugs it out with Bryan Inojales; Rolando Lingaolingao trades leathers with Anatacio Gallardo Jr.; and Marlon Macayan is up against Japanese Takaoki Noma.
