‘Kamaong Pinoy’ tilt on ESPN5

by Nick Giongco

Two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa is leading the way in the hunt for the country’s next ring star with the launch of “Ultimate Boxing Series (UBS): Kamaong Pinoy” on ESPN5.

Competitions in the flyweight (112 lbs) and bantamweight (115 lbs) are going to kick off sometime next month with promising punchers from across the country taking part in the novelty tournament that will offer hefty cash prizes and trophies.

“The Filipino boxing scene has never been this exciting,” said TV5 President Chot Reyes during Thursday’s formal presentation at the Midas Hotel and Casino.

Peñalosa, who reigned as world champion at super-fly and super-bantam, stressed that only up-and-coming boxers with no more than 10 fights have been signed up to compete.

“I personally searched for these special fighters not only here in Metro Manila and Luzon but in Visayas and in Mindanao as well,” said Peñalosa.

“If this is likened to an election, we don’t have a nuisance candidate entered in the tournament,” added Penalosa.

The slugfest features a knockout format and Reyes insists that each participant will only have one chance to prove their worth.