By CALVIN CORDOVA
CEBU CITY— After bungling two chances to fight for a world title belt, Christian “The Bomb” Araneta gets another one, hopefully he will deliver this time when he sees action in “Kumbati 16” on Jan. 26 at South Road Properties here.
In an All-Filipino showdown, Araneta battles Arvin “The Hurricane” Magramo in the main event of “Kumbati 16” fight card at the Nustar Resort and Casino Convention Center.
The duel is an International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight eliminator.
Mexican Adrian Curel is the current champion in the division. He will defend his crown against Siventhi Nontshinga.
“This fight is for me. I will make sure that I will emerge victorious. It has been my dream to fight for a world title,” the 28-year-old Araneta said.
Araneta, a native of Borbon town, Cebu, is aware that he will be facing a quality opponent but he is confident that the preparation he made for the all-important fight will help him pull through.
Araneta sports a 23W-2L, 18KOs record, while the Parañaque City-native Magramo possesses an impressive 17W-1L-1D, 11KOs slate.
Knowing the magnitude of the fight, the Omega Pro Sports International led by its president Pio Paulo Castillo sent Araneta to the United States to train with former world champion Nonito Donaire Jr.
Araneta was also able to work with Donaire when the “Filipino Flash” trained at the Omega Boxing Gym for his fight against Alexandro Santiago in July last year.
“The things that he taught me when he trained here in Cebu were very important. And then when I went to the US, he gave me more tips and also assisted me in my sparring,” Araneta said.
Araneta claimed he is more prepared now compared to the time when he fought and lost two world title eliminator fights.
Araneta’s first loss in a world title eliminator happened in 2019 when he absorbed a fourth-round technical knockout defeat to Daniel Valladares in Monterey, Mexico.
In 2021, Araneta suffered a controversial unanimous decision loss to Nontshinga in South Africa.
Araneta vowed that he will no longer let a third opportunity to fight for a world title slip away.
