Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 24 Jan 2026
UNDEFEATED Ronerick “Jackhammer” Ballesteros of Malasigui is not yet ready to fight Roger “Assassin” Ocum of Kidapawan City for 10-rounds on January 26 for the WBC Asian lightweight at the Arenas Civic Center in Malasiqui, Pangasinan.
“[I’m] not ready yet. I'm still on a diet. There's still a lot to improve,” said the 21-year-old Ballesteros [6-0-1, 5KOs].
Ballesteros said that he still needs a sparring partner.
“I'm still missing a sparring partner. So my chance is 50/50,” said Ballesteros.
He spars only with his father Ronorick Ballesteros, who is also his manager.
The Ballesteros need to go to Manila in order to spar.
“There's no gym in Pangasinan, we have to go to Manila,” said Ballesteros.
Ballesteros said Ocum has an advantage because he has an international coach Rainel “Nonoy” Neri, a former trainer of 8-time division champion Manny Pacquiao.
“Boxing isn't popular here in Pangasinan, we're the only ones who box in Pangasinan,” said Ballesteros.
Ocum [6-1-0, 4KOs] is trained also by assistant Rodel Garde at the MP Davao Gym in Toril.
Ballesteros recently downed Speedy Boy Acope in the 5th round to win the vacant Philippine Youth lightweight title last October 29 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The fight, billed as “Punitian sa Malasiqui” is promoted by Art Monis of Hardstone Monis Boxing Promotion.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
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