Pikaboo, Albert top ROF 2 main events

Saipan’s Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez and Guam’s Jake Albert came out victorious in the two main events of last Saturday’s Trench Warz Promotions’ Ring of Fire 2 at the Garapan Central Park.

Alvarez, fighting out of Trench Tech Gym, topped Guam’s Isaac “Lion Heart” Crisostomo in a unanimous decision in their kickboxing duel, while GuamMuayThai’s Albert did the same thing against Alvarez’s teammate Ram “Korean Blood” Lee in their boxing bout.

Alvarez got the nod of all judges—CNMI Wrestling Federation president Rick Bauer, NMI News Services’ Brad Ruzsala, and local MMA analyst Ben Salas—30-27, 30-27, and 30-27. Albert also won all three rounds with a score of 39-27, 29-28, and 29-28.

“I was accurate with my strikes and landed a good amount of heavy shots each round. Even when I started feeling tired. I was able to dodge and counter. My opponent was super tough as no matter how many shots I landed on him he kept pushing forward and never backed down. Was a super fun fight after being out of the game for a long time. Kid is tough and has a bright future ahead of himself, he’s only 20. If he keeps it up and gets more wins and experience under his belt, I definitely owe him a rematch if he’d like one!” said Alvarez.

It was already sort of a return engagement for the 30-year-old Financial & Insurance Services Group staff as the COVID-19 pandemic put the island’s MMA scene into a standstill since 2019.

“Felt great to step back in the ring as it’s been six years since my last fight! This is also the heaviest I’ve ever fought at in my career, but I was still fast and felt very strong. Definitely was fun and I’m motivated to stay in shape and stay consistent. I’m not as in shape as I want to be, but considering only 2-3 months of consistent training over the past six years I definitely feel I’m on my way back to my prime,” said Alvarez after his fight.

He then dedicated this win to Trench Tech Gym and all his training partners who also fought in Ring of Fire 2.

“Although we fight our fights alone, it’s definitely a team effort in the gym sparring with and pushing each other daily. I’d also like to thank my sponsor this fight Caravan Restaurant as they were a huge help in making me cut the weight and still feel strong. I was at my heaviest before this fight at 205 lbs and dropped down to 170 lbs. Also, to all my fans and supporters who continue to believe in my skills no matter how long it’s been we do this for y’all and the haters as well as they keep us motivated and focused. Also, to my girl Candy and son Styles Alvarez because this is my first official Father’s Day thanks to him. They both motivated me to get back to my best and continue striving for greatness,” he said.

Albert, for his part, said he was happy with the unanimous decision victory over Lee.

“Not the outcome I wanted, but regardless I am happy with the results. I’m happy about my win as all the hard work paid off from my fight camp. I want to dedicate this victory to my coaches for training me, correcting me, and being understanding. Also, to my teammates and supporters,” he said.

As for his opponent, Albert said Lee “did great! Push through all three rounds.”

Other winners of ROF 2 are the following: Jyro Cruz, Nate Zhuang, Kody Palacios, Aiden Nekaifes, Justin Agulto, Jun San Nicolas, Marnel Cornelio, Thomas Agulto, Beng Beng Palacios, Phil Gregorio, Dylan Promdi, Keith Sablan, Dylan Benavente, Etan Affleje, Jose Camacho, Jimmy Polk, Jeremiah Salvador, Boni Sagana, Donovan Santos, and John Lee.

The fight between Dion Ogo and Lorenzo Reyes ended in a draw and there was also an exhibition match between Skylee Mesa and Grachen Pintor.

Trench Warz Promotions’ Cuki Alvarez congratulated all the winners and thanked all the participants of ROF 2. He also gave kudos to their main sponsors, namely Monster Energy and Miller Lite, Century Hotel, Hafa Adai Rent A Car, and Pacific Star Wholesale.

“Thank you to all the fans who supported the event and purchased their tickets. And most especially to all the fighters for getting in the Ring of Fore and put it all on the line for our fans’ viewing pleasure and enjoyment. All the fights were very exciting. Literally not one boring fight. Last but definitely not least, I wanna thank my staff and all the people who helped behind the scenes in the months, weeks and days leading up to the event. If it was for them, there will be no show to begin with. They make all the magic happen.

Referees for ROF 2 were Lucas “Irish Zombie” Nutting and Jason “Rush” Tarkong. The ringside physician was Keith Longuski.