ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer (center) is joined by (from left) trainer Edito Villamor, Genesis Servania =, Arthur Villanueva and Rey “Boom-boom” Bautista
Filipino boxing fans in Dubai, United Arab Emirates will get a chance to watch the first Pinoy Pride card to be held in the Persian Gulf as ALA Promotions brings ‘Duel in Dubai’ to the Dubai World Trade Center on Sept. 5.
The card in essence is the realization of the dream of ALA Promotions CEO Michael P. Aldeguer to stage world-class fight cards on foreign soil.
“It was a far fetched plan five years ago and we faced a lot of trials along the way,” Aldeguer said during the event’s official launching yesterday at the Rajah Park Hotel. “But we are very happy that finally we fulfilled our dream of putting Philippine boxing to the worldwide level. I think we are making history for Philippine boxing.”
The Sept. 5 card will feature two regional title duels led by undefeated WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight and WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania (24-0, 10 KOs) who will defend his WBO International belt against former world title challenger Jose “Matador” Cabrera (22-4-2, 10KOs) of Mexico.
In the co-main event, reigning WBO International super flyweight champion “King” Arthur Villanueva (25-0,14KOs) guns for the vacant IBF International Junior Bantamweight title against Nicaraguan Henry “El Crespo” Maldonado (19-3, 14KOs).
Also in the Dubai card is Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista (35-3, 25KOs), who will face Mexican Juan Jose “Piquet” Martinez (19-1, 15KOs) in a 10-round non title showdown.
Aldeguer and his staff are currently looking for a Dubai-based Arab boxer to be included in the undercard for the Arab boxing fans who want to see their own bet fight in the card.
Aldeguer also revealed that Servania, who has beaten some of the biggest names in his division like two-time world champion Alexander Munoz of Venezuela and interim WBA super flyweight king Rafael Concepcion, is now on the threshold of a world title challenge. All the Bacolod boxer has to do is win impressively against Cabrera.
“Maybe he’ll be a mandatory challenger for Cuba’s WBA Super world and WBO super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux but we are looking into it because we know how dangerous Rigondeaux is. Genesis still needs to further develop his skills. We are considering other options,” said Aldeguer.
Servania for his part said he is ready for Cabrera.
“I know his style, I’ve watched his fight tapes. He’s a defensive boxer so I’ll destroy his guard and go for the kill,” Servania bared.
Villanueva meanwhile, said his past mistakes will serve him well against Maldonado as he expressed confidence of winning against the dangerous Nicaraguan.