‘Who’s Next?’ Pro Boxing Series ties up with TV giant

Pio Paulo Castillo (4th from left), president of Omega Pro Sports International (OPSI) and Chad Cañares (5th from left), vice president of OPSI, pose with some of the Omega Gym fighters who will se action in ‘Who’s Next? 2” Pro Boxing Series on Saturday at Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium. (CDN PHOTO/FERDINAND R. EDRALIN)

THE “Who’s Next?” Pro Boxing Series has just gotten bigger as it forged a partnership with television giant, GMA Network.

“It is the ultimate dream of any promotional outfit to have a TV partner. And we are very happy to have GMA-7 as our partner in showcasing exciting boxing fights,” said Chad Canares, Vice President of the Omega Pro Sports International (OPSI).

The tie-up will start with OPSI’s staging of the second installment of “Who’s Next” set this Saturday at Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium.

“The fights will be aired over GMA News TV on August 7 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” added Canares in a press conference yesterday at Pino Restuarant.

The upcoming fight card will be headlined by Omega Gym’s unbeaten stalwart Jhack Tepora (17W-0L-0D-12KOs), who will put on the line his WBO Asia Pacific Youth Super Bantamweight title against Bryan Capangpangan (10W-2L-1D-7KOs).

Tepora is out to keep the momentum going as he awaits the opportunity to vie a for a world title.

“I am ready to fight a world title, and I know I am capable of winning. It is just up to my handlers when will they give me the chance to fight for a world crown,” said Tepora.
Tepora may have to wait a little longer for that golden opportunity to come.

“It will take determination, trust, patience, discipline and heart for him (Tepora) to finally be able to contend for a world title. It will take more than talent. As soon as he acknowledges those criteria, that’s the time that I can say that he’s ready for a world title shot. Now, I think he’s 50 percent there,” said Castillo.

The co-main event will have Kenny Demecillo (10W-3L-2D-7KOs) taking on Rambo Lagos (8W-1L-2D-5KOs) where the latter will try to defend his WBF Asia Pacific Bantamweight crown.
Another prized stalwart of Omega Gym, Christian Araneta (11W-0L-0D-9KOs) will be battling Charlie Cabilla (14W-18L-4D-2KOs).

The card’s added attraction is the professional debut of Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga, who will square off with Melvin Manangquil (1W-1L-2D-1KO).

“I’ll do everything to win. I know its tougher being a professional boxers (sic). But I am also dreaming of becoming a world champion, and I have to do my best to achieve that,” said the Davao del Norte–native Barriga.