Omega’s Apolinar eyes bigger fights

Omega Boxing Gym’s Peter Apolinar (right) poses with Japanese boxing world champion Naoya Inoue. Apolinar became Inoue’s sparring partner in one of the latter’s world title bouts. | contributed Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines—One of Omega Boxing Gym’s fast-rising prospects, Peter “Thunder” Apolinar, is setting his eyes on the bigger picture. 

The 25-year-old Apolinar, a proud son of San Pablo, Laguna, is scheduled to square off against Juanito Paredes of Iloilo City in the main event of the “Kumbati 9” fight card of the Omega Pro Sports International (OPSI) at the IPI compound in Mandaue City on March 27, 2021. 

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Apolinar told CDN Digital that he wants to win impressively in his upcoming fight in the hopes of getting more recognition, not just locally, but also internationally. 

“Siyempre, mas gusto ko makalaban yung makapagpakilala sa akin sa mundo or magpapataas nang rating ko sa world rankings,” said Apolinar.

Like all boxers, Apolinar’s ultimate goal is to become a world champion. But he also wants to test his skills against unbeaten two-division world champion Luis “Pantera” Nery of Mexico. 

“Gusto ko po makalaban si Pantera (Luis) Nery para sa WBC bantamweight championship someday,” said Apolinar, who holds a record of 13 wins, one defeat with eight knockouts. 

Nery, also known as the “Filipino executioner” after knocking out six Filipino boxers, has a flawless 31-0 (win-loss) card with 24 knockouts. 

Meanwhile, Apolinar should first focus on his 10-rounder bout against Paredes (8-6-1,3KOs). 

Despite being confident of winning against Paredes, Apolinar said he doesn’t want to be too complacent. 

“Hindi ko rin kasi ugali mag underestimate ng kalaban. Maglalaro po ako ayon sa game plan at training namin ng coach ko,” Apolinar said. 

(It’s not my style to underestimate my opponent. I will fight based on the game plan and training of my coach.)

/bmjo