Seven years since its inception, Pinoy Pride continues to be a platform for Pinoy boxers to showcase their skills on a nationwide scale. And as they head towards its 42nd card, ALA Promotions is planning to make it a night to remember.
Three world champions are about to step into the ring this weekend for Pinoy Pride 42 on Saturday, September 16.
A champion versus champion match-up headlines the card, as IBF World Light Flyweight Champion Milan Melindo (36-2, 13KO) takes on IBO champion Hekkie Budler (31-2, 10KO).
The other world champion on the card looks to conquer another division, as former Flyweight kingpin John Riel Casimero (24-3) faces Jonas Sultan (13-3) in a title eliminator for the IBF World Super Flyweight Championship.
For ALA Boxing president Michael Aldeguer, the card is an epitomy of the promotion’s roots in building the best Pinoy fighters.
“It’s still the same vision as the objective when we started Pinoy Pride seven years ago,” he said during the Pinoy Pride 42 presser at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.
“We always had a goal of doing world class events and world class fights.”
On the other hand, Melindo aims to duplicate his performance last May, while the visitor looks to claim another gold in enemy territory.
“Gagawin ko po ang best ko para ma-defend itong belt,” said Melindo.
“I’m ready for whatever he brings and I know that we’ll give you guys a good fight,” said the South African Budler, who recently claimed the IBO title against Joey Canoy in his native South Africa.
Like the headliner, the implications are also huge in the co-main event, as Sultan and Casimero will go all out.
An All-Filipino already world title in boxing has yet to come into fruition for nearly a century. And with that assured, Aldeguer believes that it will help sustain the Pinoy’s love for the sport.
“Right now with this chance, putting something like this – three world champions in one event and making history of having two Filipinos fight for (the number one contender) for the world title against another Filipino which hasn’t been done in 92 years. It’s something that was worth-making,” the youthful promoter said.
