ESCALANTE CITY ? It?s all systems go for the much awaited ?IDOL 1? ? Philippines vs. Indonesia tomorrow, August 24, featuring hometown hero and undefeated prospect Melvin ?Topgun? Gumban (14-0, 6KOs) is ready for 22-year-old Indonesian John ?Geli? Bajawa (11-4, 6KOs) in a 10-round fight at 115 lbs. in the inaugural ?IDOL 1? ? Philippines vs. Indonesia on August 24 at the Escalante City Coliseum.
Gumban, though haven?t seen how his opponent fight, has promised to his best to win this match for his fellow Escalantehanons, he told the press during the media conference held yesterday here.
?I can?t promise a knockout but, it God?s will if I do. I?m already excited for this Saturday?s fight,? said Gumban, who is fighting a foreigner for the first time.
On his part, Bajawa, who will have his first fight in the Philippines, said that the people of Escalante will surely enjoy the fight.
Indonesian trainer Suragah Rambing, on the other hand, stressed that they come to the Philippines to win thus, warned Gumban?s camp to be prepared.
When both teams, the Philippines and Indonesians, were asked of what is expected from them in tomorrow?s fight had promised a good show for the Escalante crowd.
Meanwhile, Escalante City Mayor Melencio Yap thanked the ALA Promotions for bringing the fight in their city. He said that the event will provide avenue for local boxers show their talents and skills in this arena. With the new sports facility that the city have, more sports-related activity will be initiated.
Vice-Mayor Santiago Maravillas said that this professional boxing event is just an introduction of the many upcoming sports events in the city.
Dennis Ca?ete, ALA Promotions Vice President and General Manager, also stressed that the city government has been very supportive in their event. ?This is also the reason why we chose Escalante as the pilot of the ?Idol? Boxing Series,? the ALA executive said.
On the other hand, fighting in the main undercard, 19-year-old Mark Vincent Bernaldez (10-0, 6KOs) will be tested by 27-year-old veteran Marangin ?Dinamita? Marbun (21-10-1, win-loss-draw, 9KOs) in the 8-round clash at 124 lbs.
The ?Idol? Boxing Series was created to help Filipino fighters establish their image in the early stage of their careers before going up as title contenders or future champions. ?Many Filipino fighters in our country have reached the spotlights of their careers but, only few knew their respective backgrounds or where they came from. Many of them fought in Pinoy Pride but nobody knew them. So people only come to watch the main event and don?t care about those prospects. ?Idol? will serve as an avenue to showcase fighters from their early careers,? Ca?ete said.
This boxing promotion, presented by ALA Promotions headed by Michael Aldeguer and supported by Escalante City government under Mayor Melecio Yap, is sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board chaired by Juan Ramon ?Monju? Guanzon and GAB-Bacolod headed by OIC Donna Mae Martir.
Tickets are available at the Escalante City Hall at P300 (VIP), P100 (lower box) and P25 for General Admission.(Watchmen Daily Journal)
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