Filipino rising stars may take major belts in boxing this 2021

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

After a one of a kind 2020 for the majority of the Filipino boxers, two of the most highly-touted rising stars are currently in world-title bout talks this 2021.

Hard-hitters Michael Dasmariñas and Reymart Gaballo improved in rankings after earning huge victories during boxing’s return amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, organizers are now arranging a potential showdown between the veteran Dasmariñas and the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title-holder Naoya Inoue of Japan.

Sean Gibbons, president of the Manny Pacquiao (MP) Promotions, is already having discussions with Inoue’s handlers, specifically Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum and Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions to push through with the championship bout in March or April.

Dasmariñas’ impressive 30 wins, 2 losses, and 20 knockouts record will test Inoue’s unbeaten 20-0 record with 17 knockouts should the proposed bout come together.

Meanwhile, Gaballo, fresh from an upset victory over former world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez for the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim bantamweight belt, just made his case for the real fight of going up against the top sluggers in the division.

At this time however, Head of Sanman Promotions JC Manangquil says he is still letting Gaballo enjoy his vacation after a hard-fought win.

“I want him to enjoy the holidays first because he’s been away from his family since the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Manangquil.