Libranza, Espinas leave tonight for South Africa
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 14 Aug 2023
FORMER IBO world-rated Genisis “Cobra” Libranza of Bayugan, Agusan del Sur and ex-RP champion Jesse “Little Giant” Espinas of Oroquieta City are leaving tonight, August 14 for South Africa.
They will fight against separate opponents on August 20.
Libranza, who will fly together with former Philippine welterweight champion and now trainer Alan Alegria, will fight against Phumelela “Truth” Cafu of South Africa for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) International junior bantamweight title for 10-rounds.
“It’s my second time to fight in South Africa. I’m ready to fight already,” said the 29-year-old Libranza.
Libranza, who is now managed by Darwin Miller Angelo Dep-ay, now has 20 wins, 2 loses with 12 knockouts.
The 18-year-old Cafu, on the other hand, is undefeated with 8 wins, 3 draws and 7 knockouts.
He retired Ben Mananguil of General Santos City in the 5th round on May 29, 2022 for the WBA Inter-Continental super flyweight title in East London.
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old Espinas will battle Mpumelelo Tshabalala of South Africa for the vacant WBO Intercontinental junior flyweight title.
Espinas (21-6-0, 12KOs), who recently won the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation light flyweight title by knocking out Ruben Dadivas in the 1st round last May 14, 2023 in Alegria, will be accompanied by Romshane Sarguilla.
Tshabalala, on the other hand, stopped Athenkoso Thongwana in the 6th round last March 31, 2023 for the Boxing South Africa in East London.
The event is promoted by Xaba Promotions as the 8th annual celebration of the Madiba as a Boxer - a world class box and dine, black tie. event.
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