Aspiring boxers strut wares in ‘Kumbati sa Kapitolyo’

Sports

THE Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) will stage its first-ever boxing event dubbed as “Kumbati sa Kapitolyo” on Friday, September 4.

The card will be staged in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol, marking the first time since 2017 when a boxing event was held in front of the iconic building.

CPSC Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejano, CPSC Commissioners Paul Jake Castillo and Mark Leo Chang, technical working group head Wilbert Gacrama, and executive director Engr. Rodrigo Tanza Jr. led the card’s press launch on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

“This event was conceptualized by Governor Pam Baricuatro because she wanted us to identify boxing talents from the province. Medyo na-overshadow ang boxing diri sa Cebu with other sports. We don’t have notable world champions from Cebu right now,” Dejano said.

“So the governor said maybe we can revive boxing with our youth in the province because boxing is also one of the sports that is medal-rich.”

Castillo said the “Kumbati sa Kapitolyo” will give young boxers an opportunity to showcase their talent that would pave the way for bigger opportunities,

“Definitely, what you can expect from the event is exciting amateur fights. ABAP gave us boxers aged eight to 15, and we’re very excited to showcase them,” Castillo said.

“We were given short notice to organize this, but we also want to promote the boxers who want to compete in Batang Pinoy.”

Castillo was tasked to pearhead the project after being appointed as a private-sector sports commissioner.

“When I accepted this position as a private-sector sports commissioner, I was excited because I’m into sports. Boxing runs deep in our family because my dad established Omega Boxing Gym in 1984. Imagine how many years that has been,” Castillo said.

The card will have 25 amateur bouts and six professional fights.

According to matchmaker Edcel Tonacao, boxers from Naga, Asturias, Daanbantayan, Toledo, Bantayan Island, Mandaue, Santander, Balamban, Carcar, Cebu City, Cordova and Argao will see action in the card.

“An event like this would be a good base to scout talents. In order for you to produce world champions, you need events like this,” Castillo said. “Not only in boxing but in other sports. In an event like this, you can always find talents.”(CCM)