Julius Erving Junco (left) and Pete Apolinar (right) at the Omega Boxing Gym in Mandaue City, Cebu. | Photo from Junco’s Facebook account.
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Pete “Thunder” Apolinar is ready to trade blows with Korean Jong Seon Kang for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental featherweight title on Saturday, November 6, 2021, in South Korea.
Apolinar recently wrapped up his grueling training under the tutelage of Omega Boxing Gym chief trainer Julius Erving Junco in Cebu.
In an interview with CDN Digital, the 26-year-old Apolinar, the pride of San Pablo, Laguna said that it’s an honor for him to fight for a regional title and face an opponent like Kang.
“Isang napakalaking karangalan po ito pra sa akin lahat naman po ng laban ko mahalaga po pero itong darating ko pong labang sa November 6 po ang mag bibigay po ng great opportunities abroad,” said Apolinar.
When asked if he wants to avenge the loss of his stablemate, Tomjune “War Dog” Mangubat, who Kang defeated in 2019, Apolinar answered safely.
“Sabihin nalng po natin na pinaghandaan po namin ng maigi ni coach and ng boong team ang laban na ito,” said Apolinar.
“Hindi naman po kami nag kulang when it comes to good preparations siguro ano nalng po I can say na i’ll just give my best to give a good fight kay Joon Seon Kang instead of revenge regardless of the results only God knows po.”
Kang defeated Mangubat in 2019 for the same title they are vying on Saturday via split decision in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
This fight is expected to be Apolinar’s biggest test in his young rising career.
Kang, the 20-year old Korean prospect, is undefeated. He has 13 wins with six by way of knockouts. He also has two draws.
He is ranked No. 14 in WBO’s 126-pound division (featherweight).
Apolinar (15-1,9KOs) hasn’t been defeated since 2015 and is on a 10-fight winning streak. He won the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) silver featherweight title in his most recent bout versus Jess Rhey Waminal last July.
Compared to his previous bouts, Apolinar takes this bout with more caution, given Kang’s capability in the ring.
When asked if he’s confident to beat Kang, Apolinar said that he surrenders everything to his faith.
“Ang alam ko lang po same kami, we both prepared for this fight may the best man win nalang po,” said Apolinar.
“I surrender everything to our Lord siya po bahala mag navigate sa akin sa ibabaw ng ring.”
Apolinar revealed that his training with Junco was well-balanced, from conditioning to sparring, and they didn’t leave any stone unturned for what is regarded the biggest fight of his career.
/bmjo
READ: Apolinar to fight Kang in S. Korea for WBO featherweight title