The programs of the Negros Amateur Boxing Association is gaining support from local government officials and NABA president Juan Ramon Guanzon said he believes the province may well be on its way to discovering a standout just like Asian Games gold medalist Joan Tipon.

At the re-launching of the SCOOP Interaction at Dodong's Fastbreak yesterday, Guanzon announced that an amateur boxing tournament will be held March 31 in Barangay Pta. Taytay with Bacolod councilor Dindo Ramos supporting the event.

Guanzon advised interested boxers below 18-years-old to join the weigh-in starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the NABA Gym at the Paglaum Sports Complex.

"We hope that this will be the start of the continued resurgence of boxing in the province," Guanzon said. "This is the sport where we can really excel in the international arena as shown by the success of Manny Pacquiao, Onyok Velasco, Roel Velasco and Joan Tipon".

Guanzon, a former Bacolod councilor, said he is happy over the positive response of Gov. Joseph Maranon, who has committed to extend financial help to NABA's year-round boxing program.

Another reason for Guanzon's optimism is the staging of an international professional boxing title fight in Victorias City next month.

Headlining the April 21 card promoted by Negrense Antonio Aldeguer and Sami Gello-ani of Cebu City is the World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific mini-flyweight title fight between Donnie Nietes of Barangay Granada, Bacolod City and Thailand's Tonhthailex Por Vorasing.

The card will also feature seven other local pugs, including Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Mark Jason Melligen of Bacolod, who will battle Christopher Saluday of Davao City for the RP super lightweight title in the main supporting bout. The other bouts pit Reman Salim of Bacolod City against Joel Dela Cruz of Butuan in a 10-round 124-lbs. showdown; Franklin Albia of Bacolod versus Marjo Borres in a 110-lbs tiff; Jun Intor of Mabinay against Ricky Sis mundo of Tagbiliran in a 119-lbs duel;

Mark Jason Melligen of Bacolod versus Markyll Taroja of Butuan City (119-lbs.); Warlito Parrenas of Cadiz against Jerome Bontog of Mandaue (106-lbs.) and Geraldn Nietes of Bacolod against Albert Villacampa of Mandaue (117-lbs.). *CPT

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