Tepora vs. Capangpangan in ‘Who’s Next?’ 2 boxfest

JHACK Tepora, the prized stalwart of the Omega Boxing Gym, is expected to get stiff challenge when he stakes his unbeaten record in the co-main event of “Who’s Next?” 2 Pro Boxing Series on July 30 at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium.

Looking to inflict Tepora’s first loss is fellow Cebuano Bryan Capangpangan, who has been on a roll after a slow start in his career.

Capangpangan, born in Cebu City but is now based in Iligan City, has 10 victories, seven of them he scored through knockouts. He has two losses and a draw.

The five-foot-six, 20-year-old boxer started his career with unanimous decision loss to Joven Torres in March 24, 2013. He bounced back from the loss by pulling off a technical knockout (TKO) win over Edgar Bryan Dionson in June 3, 2013.

After bagging his breakthrough win, Capangpangan faltered again when he bowed to Melmark Dignos via unanimous decision last Aug. 17, 2013.

Capangpangan then went on a rampage when he scored six straight victories, five of them came by way of knockouts. The streak ended when Capangpangan suffered a split decision loss to Dondon Navarez in June 15 last year.

Capangpangan quickly got back on track and has won his last three fights capped by a unanimous decision win over Michael Bastasa last March 27.

Apart from putting his unbeaten record on the line, Tepora will also be staking his WBO Asia-Pacific Youth Super-Bantamweight title. Tepora is unbeaten in 17 fights, including 12 knockout victories.

Chad Cañares, Vice President of the Omega Pro Sports International, said anything can happen in the Tepora-Capangpangan duel.

“Like any other fights, there are variables. That is what makes boxing exciting. One fighter may be favored on paper but there are intangibles that can totally change the outcome of a bout. Jhack may be the champion coming into this fight but we will never know what Capangpangan will bring to the table especially with the confidence and the KO record he has,” said Cañares.

The upcoming fight card is a double championship as Tepora’s stablemate Kenny Demecillo will be defending his WBF Asia Bantamweight title against Rambo Lagos.