Cebuano boxer Balunan: I am deserving to be a champion 

Christian Balunan (right) and his trainer Edito Villamor (left). | Photo from Balunan’s Facebook page

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Unbeaten Cebuano boxing prospect Christian Balunan didn’t leave a single stone unturned in preparing for the biggest fight of his career on November 4 in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Balunan, one of Villamor Boxing Gym’s top prospects, will battle fellow unbeaten prospect, Aditep Maungcharoen of Thailand. They will fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Youth minimumweight title in the co-main event of “Kumong Bol-Anon 12” at the Bohol Wisdom School gymnasium. 

For the 23-year-old Balunan, he believes he deserves more to wear the WBO regional belt around his waist. 

Thus, he trained for months and instilled sheer discipline under the supervision of his veteran trainer Edito Villamor in Mandaue City. 

“Angay ako ang ma champion ani nga title sa WBO kay gi himo namo tanan para aning duwaa hard training og disiplina sa kaugalingon,” Balunan told CDN Digital.

(I am deserving to be the champion in this title of the WBO because I did everything for this fight, I trained hard and instilled discipline.)

“Pasalamat ko sa akoang coach, si Edito ALA Villamor, nga wala mi pasagdi gitutukan gyud mi maong angay jud nako ma kuha ang WBO title kay dako na kaayo ni nga opportunity sa akoa og sa amoang team VBGym ug PMI Boxing Promotion.”

(I am thankful to my coach, Edito ALA Villamor, that he didn’t leave us and he really focused on us that’s why I believe i will win this WBO title because this is a big opportunity for me and for our team VBGym and PMI Boxing Promotion.) 

Balunan’s record

Balunan has a perfect 8-0 (win-loss) record with four knockouts. The 17-year-old Maungcharoen will be his first foreign opponent. He first acid test last June 24 when he faced and beaten Ariston Aton (9-7, 5KOs) by unanimous decision in Consolacion town, north Cebu. 

According to him, he is a more experienced ring warrior than Maungcharoen. He is a decorated amateur boxer with 16 gold medals and two silvers. He won gold medals in various meets including the Batang Pinoy Games and other national, and regional tilts. 

“Ang bintaha gyud nako niya ako-a jud experience, pero wala pa ko nakakita sa iyahang fight ug wala sad ko nakakuha ug information about ani akong kontra kay wala jud siya video sa internet. Maong dili lang sad ta mo kumpyansa,” Balunan explained. 

“Para nako, dili sa ingon nga hinog nako ug mga ing-ani nga fight, para nako dako pa kaayo ko ug kulang as a professional boxer, pero kani nga opportunity tagsa ra maabot, mao ako gyud gi pangandaman ug maayo. Maningkamot ko ug maayo makadaog ani,” said Balunan.

If he triumphs over his Thai foe, Balunan will be Villamor Boxing Gym’s first boxer to win a major title. 

Meanwhile, Maungcharoen won his two previous bouts by knockouts. He defeated fellow Thais in Phongpat Kenkampa and Wasin Khongphueak. 

“Kumong Bol-Anon 12” of the PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions will have Boholano Regie Suganob and Venezuelan Ronald Chacon locking horns in the main event for the vacant WBO Global light flyweight strap. 

/bmjo

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