For super lightweight boxer Jeffrey Arienza, winning the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council championship is the key to having the opportunity to fight overseas once again.
Arienza, 25, did not let a physical disability hinder his dreams of having a respectable boxing career. Despite being born with one left shin longer than the other, it did not stop him from racking up the W’s in the squared circle.
He currently has a professional record of 14 wins, four losses, and a draw – majority of his losses having come against tough competition in foreign territory. These losses have only motivated him to redeem himself in his upcoming bout against Indonesian William Reyk on Wednesday.
“Maganda para sa akin to dahil kapag manalo ako, makakalaban ulit ako sa abroad kaya sana manalo ako,” he told Tiebreaker Times after the fight card’s weigh-ins held at the Skippy’s Bar in Taguig City.
“Gagawin ko lahat para manalo. Yun ang target ko.”
Elorde International Promotions head Bebot Elorde has seen Jeffrey’s dedication throughout his career amidst his physical liabilities. According to the famed promoter, he trained twice a day and logged in heavy minutes for sparring in preparation for this fight.
“He’s been training for like three months,” Elorde shared. “Jogging everyday tapos ensayo sa gym pag hapon so kumpleto siya. He has about 120 rounds of sparring.”
Elorde knows that Arienza will be tested, but believes that his fighter will always overcome every trial he has faced both inside and outside the spot.
“Parehas yan pagdating sa ring. Sa ring nalang magkakaalaman, magkakasubukan talaga,” Elorde added. “I mean both fighters are well trained so depende nalang sa gabi ng laban, kung sino mas kundisyon yun ang mananalo.”
“He was born like that, parang si Dodie Boy Peñalosa but he’s already fought abroad. He fought in Japan, he fought in Mexico so we’re really proud of him that’s why we’re supporting him.”
“Pinapakita niya ang mga handicapped ay may pag-asa parin.”
