Unbeaten world-ranked Filipino lightweight Criztian Pitt Laurente is back in action, ready to carry the Philippine flag against Thailand's Benchalong Tanbu in a lightweight rumble this Saturday, September 26, at the UH-FCC Boxing Gym in Pattaya Beach, Thailand.
The fight is part of the exciting "Resurgence" show, presented by Brico Santig's Highland Boxing Gym in association with JC Manangquil's Sanman Boxing.
It will be a Pinoy vs Thai showdown!.
Laurente, 26, the pride of General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, marches in with a spotless record of 16 wins, no losses, 10 knockouts.
The 5-foot-7 southpaw, our very own "Golden Boy," is currently ranked IBF # 15 in the world and reigns as the IBF Pan Pacific lightweight champion.
A product of hard work and dedication, Criz loves the grind of high-altitude training in lovely Baguio, sharpening his tools under the respected Sanman Promotions stable.
A former amateur standout, Criz brought honor to our country with a bronze medal at the 2018 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships and was named Best Junior Boxer in Asia in 2016.
Coming from the well-known Laurente family of fighters, Criztian is determined to carve his own legacy in professional boxing.
He is coming off an impressive 4th-round TKO win over Kidapawan journeyman Jing "Edo" Aguan (7-4, 5 KOs) last June in his beloved hometown of Gensan, where he fought before his cheering kababayans, family and friends.
On the other side, Tanbu, fighting out of Thailand, holds a record of 6-2-1 with 3 KOs and rides a hot six-fight winning streak that he is eager to extend.
The 18-year-old campaigner at 135 pounds has made his name mostly on the Bangkok circuit, particularly at the Suamlum Night Bazaar Hotel. Unlike Laurente, he has yet to win a major regional title.
This will be a six-round non-title bout. Laurente's IBF Pan Pacific belt will not be on the line, but make no mistake, this fight is very important.
In boxing, as we all know, every fight is crucial. One slip in a stay-busy fight can derail big dreams.
We all remember how former mandatory # 1 Reymart Gaballo was knocking on the door of a world title shot, only to lose in a stay-busy fight and sadly see his championship chance slip away.
So, what will happen in Pattaya?
For our pambato Criztian Pitt Laurente, this is a vital international test to stay sharp before a scheduled title defense in Australia in October.
For Tanbu, it is a big step up and a golden opportunity to pull off an upset on home turf. Good chance for the young boxer, diba?
HOW TO WATCH: Fellow Pinoy fans can catch all the action live for free on the TrillerTV app this Saturday, September 26. Download the app and mark your calendars.
Here is the link: www.trillertv.com/watch/highland-boxing-resurgence-2026/2pkhf/
Best of luck to Criztian Pitt Laurente. May the best man win. Laban Pinoy! 👍
The author is Carlos Costa of Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines.
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