Raul “Vulcan” Yu (left) of ALA Boxing Gym will vie for the IBF World Youth super flyweight belt against Jade Bornea of Sanman Boxing Gym in the main event of Laban Pinoy 3: Rise of Champions tonight at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City.
CONTRIBUTED photo
ALA’s ‘Vulcan’ eyes explosive showing in Laban Pinoy 3: Rise of Champions
General Santos City—Raul “Vulcan” Yu, a name that may not ring a bell to some, has been longing for an opportunity to prove that he is deserving to be a part of a stable that houses some of the biggest names in boxing.
Today, Yu will be stepping into the ring looking to hurdle a fight that may help him make a name for himself as he battles fellow young prospect Jade Bornea in the main event of Laban Pinoy 3: Rise of Champions at the Lagao Gym here.
Yu, a 22-year-old fighter from the fabled ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu City, and the 21-year-old Bornea of the General Santos City-based Sanman Boxing Gym will fight for the vacant IBF World Youth super flyweight belt.
The two fighters will not only gun for the regional belt but will also look for a win that will certainly pave the way for more lucrative opportunities.
“I didn’t expect [to be] given the chance to fight for a regional title this early. I am happy and excited for this, I’ll do my best to win it,” said Yu, a native of Butuan City, who has nine wins, eight by knockouts, one loss and two draws.
Yu spent his amateur days with ALA Boxing Stable before turning pro in 2013.
“It helps to be in the same stable with top boxers. They gave me pieces of advice and helped me improve as a fighter. Of course, I also want to be like them. The goal is to make it big someday,” said Yu, referring to some of ALA Gym top fighters such as Donnie Nietes, Milan Milendo, Arthur Villanueva and Mark Magsayo, among others.
Yu is nicknamed “Vulcan,” a moniker coined by ALA founder Antonio L. Aldeguer, considered as the godfather of Cebu boxing. “I don’t know why I was called Vulcan. But I worked in a vulcanizing shop in Talamban before I became a boxer,” said Yu with a grin.
In yesterday’s weigh-in for the 115-pound duel, Yu tipped the scales at 112, while Bornea weighed 113.
“This is a very important fight for two rising boxers. For Jade, this fight is meant for a world ranking,” said Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude Manangquil.
Manangquil said a victory by Bornea may give him a chance to challenge Jerwin Ancajas, the reigning IBF World junior bantamweight champion.
Bornea has yet to lose in six fights with four of his victories coming by way of knockouts.
“No room for complacency. I know he comes from a very good stable. I have to perform well to beat him (Yu),” said Bornea.
Tonight’s boxing extravaganza will feature three other title fights.
Eden Sonsona and Jovanny Rota will fight for the WBF International super featherweight title, while the WBF International bantamweight belt will be put on the line when Ben Mananquil takes on Glenn Porras. Lolito Sonsona and Renren Tesorio, on the other hand, will duke it out for the WBF Asia-Pacific super flyweight title.