Filipino Mark Bernaldez (left) and American Andres Cortes (right). | Facebook photos.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Hard-hitting Mark “Machete” Bernaldez has learned to embrace the role of an underdog in his upcoming brawl against unbeaten American Andres Cortes on Saturday, November 5 (November 6, Manila Time) at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States.
Bernaldez who fights under Sanman Promotions’ banner told CDN Digital that he already accepted the fact that on paper, he is the clear underdog against Cortes.
However, he says he has no problem with billings especially if he can pull off an upset against Cortes who knocked out his friend and former stablemate Genesis Servania last August.
“Okay ra kay always ready man mi sa among kampo. Sige mi ug training may schedule or wala. Kabalo ko nga underdog ko ani nga dula labi na kay napildi niya ang kapwa Pinoy ug akong amigo nga si Genesis Servania,” said the 27-year old Bernaldez.
Bernaldez and Servania are both former boxers of the famed ALA Boxing Gym that was disbanded in 2020.
Servania, an ex-world title challenger and a highly talented boxer was knocked out by Cortes in the opening round last August 14 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Servania at that time was coming off from a two-year layoff.
Cortes, 24, owns a menacing unbeaten record of 15 wins with eight knockouts.
In terms of experience though, Bernaldez (23-4, 17KOs) has the upper hand for having fought 27 times in different countries such as Australia and Japan.
“Ako lang ma ingon ani nga dula, buhaton nako tanan ug ihatag nako akong best ani nga dula kay another big opportunity na pud ni nako para sa akong boxing career,” said Bernaldez who is based in Miami, Florida and is trained by Cuban Osmiri Fernandez.
The Butuan City native also believes that an upset against Cortes will catapult his career to new heights and hopefully land him a title fight. /rcg
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