Cebuano Aranas faces big test in Africa

Sports

A YOUTHFUL Cebuano boxer looks to hurdle what is by far the biggest challenge of his career.

Jemuel Aranas, a 21-year-old native of Carcar City, Cebu, will battle former world champion Phumelela Cafu in a 10-round showdown on August 1 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

One of the prized fighters of the Cebu City-based Chao Sy Boxing Stable, Aranas is seeking a third straight win and 10th win over all.

Carrying a 9W-3L-1D record with five knockouts wins, Aranas is coming off back-to-back wins against Renoel Pael and Jeric Noynay.

The victory over Noynay, a third-round stoppage, last May 9 at the Cebu Coliseum netted Aranas the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Silver flyweight title.

Aranas will be heavily tested as he walks into enemy territory.

The 27-year-old South African Cafu holds 11W-1L-3D with eight of his wins coming via knockouts. He previously won the World Boxing Organization super flyweight world title after unseating Kosei Tanaka by split decision in Japan.

Cafu lost the title after bowing to Jesse Rodriguez in Texas last July.(CCM)