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BOGO CITY, Cebu--World Boxing Organization (WBO) Intercontinental champion Ryan Bito will defend his title for the second time today as he trades leathers with Bohol's Arnel Tadena of the Elaba Stable in a 12-round war at the 10,000-capacity Don Celestino Martinez Coliseum here.
Bito came in at 102 lbs, while Tadena was at 104 lbs during official weigh-in held yesterday.
International referee Tony Pesons will be the third man on the ring for the 12-round scrap sponsored by Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez and the city council.
WBO Asia Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo will be at special ringside to supervise this bout, the biggest boxing event to be held in the area.
Bogo, a newly-established city north of Cebu City, is known as the birthplace of boxing great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, where a museum on the ring legend's boxing career is also housed with the approval of Mrs Laura Elorde, wife of the late boxing hero.
Bito took the crown with a unanimous decision over Saenpetch Sor Sakulphan on March 3 last year, and defended it with another unanimous verdict over Rodel Tejares in late 2007.
Tadena, who hails from Jagna, Bohol, gained notoriety when he defeated Alex Aroy last February. Aroy later died in the hospital following their ten-round encounter.
“My ward trained for a month at the ALA Gym in preparation for this fight. I know he is in superb shape, so fans should expect a riot on the ring,” said Marwin Elaba, who manages Tadena.
Eight more pairs of professional bouts are lined up in the undercard, while 32 amateur match-ups are expected to entertain the crowd.
Amateur bouts kick off at 2PM, while the pro pairings start at 4PM.
