John Paul Gabunilas Takes on Wandi Priman Hulu of Indonesia for WBO Asia-Pacific Youth Title Friday
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 23 Mar 2023
CEBU CITY -- Homegrown Jr Flyweight prospect John Paul Gabunilas will face Indonesian amateur standout Wandi Priman Hulu for the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific Youth Title tomorrow, Friday, at the Talisay City Sports Complex promoted by ARQ Boxing Promotions.
Gabunilas (9-1-0, 6KOs) of Cebu City racked up seven straight wins after a lone setback of his career in his third pro fight and now aims to crash in the world rankings with a win over the Indonesian. Gabunilas has impressive wins over veterans Jesse Espinas and Clyde Azarcon.
Hulu (2-0-1, 0KOs) of Bekasi, Indonesia, meanwhile, promised to turn the tables on Gabunilas. The stocky-build Indon, a national amateur champion in his country, promised to give an exciting fight and bring the belt to Indonesia.
Asked who he wants to face next if he wins against Hulu, Gabunilas said he likes to have a rematch with his lone tormentor Regie Suganob of Bohol, the current IBF Jr Flyweight top contender or OPBF titlist Joey Canoy.
L-R: Gabunilas' trainer Eldo Cortez, Gabunilas, Coach Chelito Caro and Wandi Priman Hulu face the local media during Thursday's presscon.
"I want to see where is my level is at right now so I want to face any of these guys," Gabunilas told the local press Thursday who held court at the Vienna Cafe Haus along Bonifacio District in this city for the weighin and press conference.
Gabunilas's handlers headed by Chelito Caro meanwhile said they are not rushing Gabunilas up. "We want to bring Gabunilas to competition one step at a time," Caro said. "But our aim is to eventually position John Paul for a world championship."
Gabunilas and Hulu pose with WBO officials during Thursday's weighin.
During Thursday's weighin supervised by WBO supervisor Tony Comia and local GAB officials headed by Jimmy Donton, Gabunilas stepped the scales at 106 lbs while the visiting Indon came in at 104.6 lbs.
Two undefeated fighters in Ramil Macado Jr (5-0-0, 2KOs) and Berland Robles (7-0-0, 3KOs) will fight in the undercard.
Below are the complete lineup for tomorrow's event with their weights.
WBO Asia-Pacific Youth Title - 10 rounds
John Paul Gabunilas (9-1-0, 6KOs) Cebu City - 106 lbs
Wandi Priman Hulu (2-0-1 0KOs) Bekasi, Indonesia - 104.8 lbs
10 rounds flyweight
Ramil Macado Jr (5-0-0, 2KOs) Koronadal, Cotabato del Sur - 112.5 lbs
Francis Jay Diaz (8-4-1, 1KOs) Cagayan de Oro - 113 lbs
8 rounds flyweight
Berland Robles (7-0-0, 3KOs) - 112 lbs
Ariston Aton (9-6-0, 5KOs) Lapu-Lapu City - 111 lbs
4 rounds Jr Flyweight
Angelus Pilapil (debut) Cebu City - 108 lbs
Dee-Jay Galleposo (debut) Zamboanga City 107.5 lbs
4 rounds Super Flyweight
Marco Pumar (4-2-0, 2KOs) Talisay City - 115 lbs
Anthony Galigao (debut) Bohol - 116.5 lbs
First bell is at 1:00 p.m. Venue is at the Talisay City Sports Center fronting the Sta. Teresa de Avila Church near the old Talisay City Hall that is now the Talisay City College.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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