By REY DANSECO
THE two leading leaders of Davao del Sur province in southern Philippines make sure that their most popular champion Balweg “Davao Hitman” Bangoyan can show his wares before their constituents next month.
Mayor Alex Wangkay, a sportsman and a showbiz personality who is also known as Zander Khan, of the municipality of Jose Abad Santos and incumbent Vice Governor Fely Latasa set Bangoyan’s title fight against a formidable challenger Jong-Won Won of Bucheon, South Korea on March 2 at sa Don Mariano Track and Field Open Arena in Digos City, Davao del Sur in southern Philippines.
The 23-year old native of Jose Abad Santos put in the scheduled 12-round contest his WBC International super bantamweight title for the first time.
Bangoyan, who is unbeaten in 15 starts with 7 by way of knockouts, regained the title when he beat Elorde boy Raymond “Foreman” Sermona in a hard-earned majority decision win in September last year at San Andres Gym in Manila. This reporter who was one of the judges at ringside saw the fight 115-113 and Epi Almeda of the Philippines had it 116-112 both in favor of Bangoyan while American judge Gene Del Bianco had it 114-114 draw.
Latasa said the event will be free to the public. She said it will be her birthday gift to his constituents and as support to Bangoyan, who is one of the brightest Filipino prospects to become a world champion in a year or two.
With full support of Wangkay, the WBC ranked Bangoyan its number 10 strongest-challenger in the world today under the reigning champion Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan.
Bangoyan is training at the Tiger City Gym in the outskirt Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila since January 19 under the watchful eyes of Wangkay’s younger brother Frederick Wangkay and former two-time world champ Luisito Espinosa’s brother Lando Espinosa. Luisito, who lives in California since mid 1990s, was considered the best featherweight champion from 1995 until 2000 as WBC title holder.
Balweg "Filipino Hitman" Bangoyan connects with a left against Raymond "Foreman" Sermona in their bout for the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title on Sept. 12, 2009 in Manila. PHOTO BY BEN MANICLANG JR
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