By WAYLON GALVEZ
Ar-Ar Andales scored a third round technical knockout win over Zandre Padiran in their minimum weight fight that highlighted the return of boxing in Luzon last Sunday in Rizal, Laguna.
The 21-year-old Andales, the reigning World Boxing Foundation minimum champion from Cavite, punished Padiran with combinations to the head to win the event staged by Quibor Boxing Promotion.
It was Andales’ third straight win after back-to-back defeats.
Three other fighters from the Quibors boxing stable scored similar easy wins, including mini flyweight Jerome Baloro, mini flyweight Jericho Gatchalian and flyweight Reynold Vargas.
Baloro won via TKO against Mark Jequinto of Berwela Stable, Gatchalian earned a victory with a first round knockout on Jumari Mansueto of Onyok Stable and Vargas scored a unanimous win on Michael Sarili of Muntinlupa City Stable.
Quibors boxing manager and promoter Gerry Balmes said Wednesday that while holding the event was difficult, it was all worth it as they finally held a fight event in Luzon.
“Medyo mahirap ang pinagdaanan namin dahil sinunod namin lahat ng health protocols ng IATF, which is prescribed by Games and Amusement Board (GAB),” said Balmes.
“This event is a pilot test kaya dapat maging role model tayo ng ibang boxing promotion dito sa Luzon. Definitely, magkakaroon ulit tayo ng boxing event early next year, kasi may mga boxers pa kami na hindi pa napapalaban.”
It was the third boxing event in the country after local promotions held events in Cebu and Gen. Santos City.
