‘Wardog’ ready for battle
Omega Boxing Gym’s “Wardog” Tomjune Mangubat. | contributed photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Omega Boxing Gym’s “Wardog” Tomjune Mangubat is ready for his fight against Big Yellow Boxing Gym’s Allan Villanueva in the “Kumbati 11” fight card on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the IPI compound in Mandaue City.
Mangubat and Villanueva will trade leathers in a 10-rounder non-title showdown in the undercard of the fight card put up by Omega Pro Sports International (OPSI).
According to the 24-year old Mangubat of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, he is 100 percent ready for the showdown.
“Andam na kaayo ko ani, 100% ipakita nako sa dula na malingaw ang mga tao,” said Mangubat, who sports a record of 14 victories, 11 by knockouts, two defeats, and one draw.
When asked if he can knockout Villanueva, Mangubat said that timing will be his key.
“Depende ra ug makakita ko ug opening na matumba nako siya,” said Mangubat.
His trainer, Julius Erving Junco, believes Mangubat can beat Villanueva (11-1, 8KOs) easily.
READ: Junco: Mangubat has superior boxing skills compared to Villanueva
However, Mangubat doesn’t want to be too complacent as he was in his previous bouts, which resulted in shocking defeats.
In 2019, Mangubat lost twice. Both of the bouts pitted regional titles in the WBC Asian Boxing Council silver featherweight title and the vacant WBO Oriental youth featherweight strap.
Mangubat lost to Arnel Baconaje for the WBC title via technical knockout in April 2019. Three months later, he lost to Korean Jong Seon Kang via split decision for the WBO Oriental title.
Both losses served as a reminder and a lesson for Mangubat that complacency will do nothing good for him.
“Nakat-onan nako nga dili na mo kumpyansa bisan tan-aw nako sa akong kontra nga kaya ra,” Mangubat said.
Mangubat seemed to recover from those setbacks after piling up three straight wins since 2020.
Meanwhile, Villanueva said he wishes to fight again abroad if he wins against Mangubat.
“Kung mudaog ko, ganahn ko moduwa balik sa gawas. Mao nang maningkamot ko sa duwa karon nga nindot akong away,” said Mangubat.
/bmjo
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