Johnson vs Farah in epic GBO Heavyweights Battle this Saturday, June 15, in "Thrilla in Davao"
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 11 Jun 2019
American heavyweight former WBC United States (USNBC) champion Ronald "The American Dream" Johnson (15-1, 4 KO's) is already in Davao ready to lock horns against Bolivian warrior former WBC interim South American Heavyweight titlist "The Phoenix Assassin" Saul Farah (69-23-3, 60 KO's) for the vacant Global Boxing Organization (GBO) heavyweight title this Saturday, June 15, at The Enderun Tent, Azuela Cove in "The Crown Jewel of Mindanao," The City of Davao, Philippines.
This is a clash of titans that no boxing fan in Davao can afford to miss. Will "The American Dream" Ronald Johnson be able to overcome ring rust to successfully deal with the more experienced, more active "Phoenix Assassin to claim the GBO heavyweight title in "Thrilla in Davao?"
Or will the Assassin Saul Farah send Ronald Johnson back to the U.S. bruised and beaten up?
The card's name "Thrilla in Davao" evokes and honors the original 1975 "Thrilla in Manila," the unforgettable, iconic, historic battle between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier for the undisputed heavyweight world title.
EXCITING GBO TITLE FIGHTS
In the show's co-main event, unbeaten Ifugao bantamweight Roy Nagulman (8-0-1, 6 KO's) collides against more experienced tough Davae?o Aries Buenavidez (12-3, 7 KO's) for the vacant GBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight strap.
Roy Nagulman (8-0, 6 KO's) bantamweight from Ifugao.
It will be the first time that the hard-hitting 17-year-old Roy Nagulman fights a boxer who punches as hard as Buenavidez, 23, does. Will this title fight make it the distance? Fans in Davao are so eager to see how Roy performs under heavy fire.
In another GBO title clash, another unbeaten Ifugao prospect Khurvin Jhon "KJ" Natuplag (8-0-2, 7 KO's) climbs the ring to trade bombs against confusing southpaw Joe Tejones (12-6-7 KO's) of Valencia City, Bukidnon, for the Global Boxing Organization (GBO) Super Featherweight (130-pound) Strap.
Let's find out if the young unbeaten heavy-puncher KJ Natuplag is able to push forward his young boxing career. For "KJ," a defensive mistake against Tejones, 22, would be disastrous. What will happen?
MORE FIGHTS FOR "THRILLA IN DAVAO"
More. exciting combats. Royder Borbon collides against dangerous Raymart Ebones in a non-stop action clash. The contracted weight for Borbon vs Ebones is 113 pounds. This melee is a scheduled 6-chapter saga that might not make it to the final bell. Who will emerge victorious?
Moreover, tough 18-year-old flyweight Jenuel Lausa (5-6, 5 KO's) of San Pablo, Laguna, squares off Orlie Silvestre (13-5-1, 8 KO's ) of Isulan City, the capital of the Kapuoran sang Sultan Kudarat, in an eight-rounder war at a contracted-weight of 113 pounds.
The first bout of the show features fast and furious Gabriel Dasan (4-2, 2 KO's) exchanging heavy bombardment against the equally dangerous Nilo Entero in a four-chapter duel. The contracted weight for the two warriors is 109 lbs, which is one pound above the light flyweight division.
Official GBO Weigh-in ceremony will take place Friday, June 14, at the plus Crevice Hotel at 10 am.
The exciting show will be broadcast by PTV 4 in a delayed telecast and will air LIVE on Pow Salud's POWCAST for social media coverage.
According to the promoter, "Thrilla in Davao" is not just a boxing show, but a super gala for the who is who in Davao and Filipino politics. With that in mind, a glamorous red carpet formal attire boxing dinner will entertain very special invited VIP guests.
Thrilla in Davao promoter Reynaldo Rodis, bringing Heavyweight Action to the Philippines.
Invitations have already been extended to none other than Filipino President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Davao Mayor Madame Sara Duterte, Senators-elect Bong Go, Bato Rosa, Imee Marcos; prominent Cabinet Officials such as ES Medialdea, as well as Cong. Paulo and brother VM-elect Baste Duterte, LGU officials, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, prominent businessmen among others.
"Thrilla in Davao" scheduled for this Saturday, June 15, at The Enderun Tent, Azuela Cove in Lanang, Davao City, is a production of boxing promoter Reynaldo Rodis of RED Boxing in association with the City Government of Davao.
Gate opens at 5 PM and closes at 7 PM sharp. (For security reasons no one will be allowed after the entry cut off time)
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber/wechat: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Dejon Farrell Francis Turning Things Around
Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David 'The Mexican Monster' Benavidez Excited About History-Making Cinco De Mayo Showdown with Gilberto Ramirez
Tue, 02 Dec 2025PPV.COM RETURNS TO THE RING LIVE STREAMING ALL-ACTION TITLE TILT ISAAC "PITBULL" CRUZ vs. LAMONT ROACH, JR
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Llover Eyes Winner of Salas-Ngexeke IBF Title Duel in Mexico
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 01 Dec 2025Jimuel draws in pro debut
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 01 Dec 2025Kevin Durant sets new NBA record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 01 Dec 2025LAZARO LORENZANA CAPTURES WBC REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE OVER LUIS ARIAS
Sun, 30 Nov 2025