BITO DEFENDS WBO CROWN VS TADENA IN BOGO TODAY
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 30 May 2008
BOGO CITY, Cebu -- World Boxing Organization (WBO) Intercontinental champion Ryan Bito will defend his title for the second time today as he trades leathers with Bohol's Arnel Tadena of the Elaba Stable in a 12-round war at the 10,000-capacity Don Celestino Martinez Coliseum here.
Bito came in at 102 lbs, while Tadena was at 104 lbs during official weigh-in held yesterday.
International referee Tony Pesons will be the third man on the ring for the 12-round scrap sponsored by Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez and the city council.
WBO Asia Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo will be at special ringside to supervise this bout, the biggest boxing event to be held in the area.
Bogo, a newly-established city north of Cebu City, is known as the birthplace of the great Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, where a museum on the ring legend's boxing career is also housed with the approval of Mrs Laura Elorde, wife of the late boxing hero.
Bito took the crown with a unanimous decision over Saenpetch Sor Sakulphan on March 3 last year, and defended it with another unanimous verdict over Rodel Tejares in late 2007.
Tadena, who hails from Jagna, Bohol, gained notoriety when he defeated Alex Aroy last February. Aroy later died in the hospital following their ten-round encounter.
"My ward trained for a month at the ALA Gym in preparation for this fight. I know he is in superb shape, so fans should expect a riot on the ring," said Marwin Elaba, who manages Tadena.
Eight more pairs of professional bouts are lined up in the undercard, while 32 amateur match-ups are expected to entertain the crowd.
Amateur bouts kick off at 2PM, while the pro pairings start at 4PM.
Top photo: WBO Intercontinental minimumweight champion Ryan Bito takes to the scales while challenger Arnel Tadena and Bohol's Marwin Elaba look on.
Arnel Tadena, who challenges Bito, makes weight easily.
The author beside the larger-than-life statue of the great Gabriel "Flash" Elorde located inside the Don Celestino Martinez Coliseum.
All photos by PhilBoxing.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
CUBAN FUTURE CHAMPIONS YOENLI HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI & GUSTAVO TRUJILLO HEADLINE ‘FISTS OF FURY 8’
Wed, 01 Oct 2025USA Boxing Finishes Canada Duel Undefeated
Wed, 01 Oct 2025Dana White Seeks to Make Significant Changes in the World Boxing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 01 Oct 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 September 2025: Ferreira Retains IBF 135 Belt by Outpointing Moneo; Clavel Dethrones IBF 105 Champ Cudos
By Eric Armit, Tue, 30 Sep 2025Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 30 Sep 2025Dante Stone is last American standing in Inaugural WBC Grand Prix
Tue, 30 Sep 2025Age Defying Triumph: At Age 50 Toshihiko Era Wins World Title
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 30 Sep 2025TKO and Zuffa Boxing sign streaming agreement with Paramount
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Sep 2025Boxing Ephemera, Pacquiao’s Mouthguard, and the Meaning of It All
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 30 Sep 2025A turning point for global sport: IBA President Umar Kremlev and Donald Trump Jr join forces
Mon, 29 Sep 2025Rosia captures PBF super fly title
Mon, 29 Sep 2025Tancontians starred 2025 Sports Heroes Night
Mon, 29 Sep 2025“Thrilla” guest list
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 28 Sep 2025Why Do So Many Boxers Play eGames?
Sun, 28 Sep 2025PH Chess Wizard Marius Constante Shines
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 28 Sep 2025