Mark Anthony Barriga’s debut in professional boxing will be against a fellow neophyte.
Barriga will be fighting Melvin Manangquil in a duel that will add spice to the second installment of Omega Pro Sports International’s (OPSI) ‘Who’s Next?’ Pro Boxing Series scheduled on July 30 at Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium.
Manangquil, a native of Zamboanga del Norte, has only four fights under his belt with one win, one loss and two draws.
Manangquil started his career in Nov. 29 last year but suffered a unanimous decision loss to James Golez.
The 18-year-old Manangquil settled for a draw in his next fight against debuting John Michael Zulueta before finally earning his first win last April 29 after he knocked out Rocky Campana.
Barriga is gunning for an auspicious professional debut after bringing honors to the country as an Olympian.
The 23-year-old Barriga from Panabo, Davao del Norte was a gold medalist in the 2013 SEA Games in Nepyidaw, Myanmar and came home with a bronze medal from the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
The upcoming fight card will be headlined by the unbeaten Jhack Tepora, who will take on Cebuano Bryan Capangpangan.
Another prized stalwart of the Omega Boxing Gym Kenny Demecillo will be seeing action to defend his WBF Asia Bantamweight title against Rambo Lagos.