Roundhouse rumble unfolds tonight

Just a couple of weeks after Fury III: Fighting Islands Saipan thrilled a jam-packed crowd, another event expected to feature top-rated fighters going at each other is scheduled to unfold.

The ringside bell will finally ring as “Duel of Boxers,” presented by Leo-An International Entertainment, is scheduled to thrill fans beginning at 7pm at the Garapan Central Park Roundhouse with five bouts, two main events and three featuring amateur boxers from Saipan, Guam, and Tinian.

The first four bouts will lead up to the evening’s 10-round main event, featuring Bert “The Puncher” Cano and No. 1 featherweight contender from the Philippines Robert Dalisay.

Cano, who currently resides on Tinian, enters with a record of 41 wins, 17 by knockout, two draws, and six losses, while Dalisay sports 11 wins, eight by TKO, two draws, and five losses.

“I’m quite uneasy being that [my opponent] is really a good fighter, and I just hope that the fight will be on my side,” Cano said through an interpreter during a press conference yesterday at the Paradise Hotel. “I prepared for only two months but I am conditioned to fight and I am prepared.”

Cano said Dalisay holds a slim upper hand with his height advantage, but nonetheless, is focused on adding another “W” to his record.

“My opponent is a little taller, and although skinny, he has more reach and I am the small one, so of course there’s an advantage for the tall one. [But] so far, I’m in good shape and ready. I am better conditioned than my last fight, even though I had no sparring partner on Tinian.”

The night kicks off with Tinian’s Jimmy Ebba taking on Keith Corpuz of Guam, followed by Saipan’s Uden Asperin facing Jess Garcia of Tinian. The amateur fights conclude with Guam’s Jardis Ladrido battling Saipan’s Aguinaldo Tesado.

Guam’s Errol Alegre and Luloy Gonzales of the Philippines will trade blows shortly before Cano and Dalisay take to the ring.

Angeles D. Limson, owner and promoter of Leo-An International Entertainment, is hopeful her inaugural event will be positive one as it will also contribute to the NMI Crime Stoppers and the Rota Little League Baseball programs.

“This is my first promotion and I hope it will succeed,” she said. “It’s been hard already for me, we’ve been preparing since December, but I’m happy it will assist the non-profit organizations here.”

Saipan promoter Mario Aquilo expressed that although preparations for the fights were too short, he envisions a very fruitful event that the fans will remember for a long time.

“The first group of boxers interviewed did not materialize…[but] these guys coming now are really enjoying their boxing careers in the Philippines,” he said. “They are currently heavy contenders and we just pick them up through the IBF and WBO in the Philippines, so we’re going to see good fights.”

Longtime Saipan promoter Al Taitano expressed the same feelings, adding that the local fighters in the amateur bouts are “all ready.”

“I’m asking the public to come in and witness these fights…its going to be an exciting one,” he said. “Come out and let’s get ready to rumble.”

Rota Rep. Crispin Ogo was also on hand at the press conference, and extended his appreciation to the organizers for assisting the youth programs.

“I’m supporting the event and I’m very happy that portion would benefit the Rota Little League Baseball Association and for Team Faum, Rota’s mixed martial arts. I’m glad this event will benefit these youth programs and I wish Leo-An success and to the fighters, I wish them luck and may the best man stand in the end.”

Dalisay was set to arrive on Saipan this morning after his departure from Manila was held up for unknown reasons.

Aquilo, however, assured that the 122-lb. pugilist is used to fighting on short rest. He said Dalisay fought under the same circumstances a few years ago in Africa. He also said the fighter has been cleared by the Philippines’ Games and Amusement Board and will undergo a pre-fight check-up this afternoon.