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FILIPINOS 'WARS KATSUMATA', NEBRAN AND ESPINO SEE ACTION NOV 18 IN OKINAWA, JAPAN

By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 05 Nov 2012



Three Filipino warriors, Warlito Parrenas (aka "Wars Katsumata"), "The Ilocano Superman" Vergel Nebran and "The Slugger" Cirilo Espino star in the exciting Japanese boxing event "Pacific Boxing Showdown In Okinawa" on November 18 at the Convention Center of Ginowan in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, informed to this author Japanese promoter Hiroshi Katsumata today.

According to Mr. Katsumata, the card is believed to be the very first one in which three Filipino professional fighters are featured in the same boxing event in Okinawa, Japan.

"Filipino boxers are an attraction in Japan and everywhere. That's why we are thrilled to have three of them in action in our boxing card here in Japan. Should all goes well, we plan to bring more. Fans will love it," commented Katsumata who also promotes boxing shows for the military personal stationed at the U.S. Military base in Okinawa.


Wars Katsumata.

'WARS KATSUMATA' IS BACK AGAINST DANGEROUS ENEMY

Speedster puncher 29 year-old Warlito Parrenas "Wars Katsumata" (17-6, 15KO's) born in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, bounces back into the square ring after his shocking round one loss to world rated Mexican flyweight Oscar Blanquet (32-4-1, 23KO's) last June at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

Wars Katsumata's tough opponent is dangerous Asia-Pacific Super Flyweight champion 24 year-old Isack Junior (20-2, 8KO's) of Indonesia.

For years, Isack Junior has reigned as Indonesia's National Bantamweight (118 lbs) Champion, though recently he has come down in weight, now fighting as a flyweight, being his battle against Wars Katsumata in the flyweight (112 lbs) division.

"THE ILOCANO SUPERMAN" VS MISAMICHI NOZAKI FOR THE WBC BANTAMWEIGHT YOUTH TITLE

In another exciting and important skirmish, Filipino Vergel Nebran "The Ilocano Superman" of Pangasinan Province in the Philippines, will have the tough mission of exchanging leather with 23 year-old Japanese Masamichi Nozaki (15-3, 6KO's) of Tokyo for the vacant WBC Youth Bantamweight Title.

For Filipino Vergel Nebran, promoted by Elorde International Boxing Promotions, the combat will be his first one away from his native country and he is facing a tough foe.

The Nozaki-Nebran youth bantamweight (118 lbs) title fight has been approved by American Mr. Rex Ross Walker, the WBC youth championships chairman, and authorized by the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC).

The show, titled "Pacific Boxing Showdown in Okinawa" will also feature thrilling action-pack preliminary bouts, including local a skirmish of local Okinawan super featherweight Koseki Nakama (14-4, 6KO's) battling Indonesian Robert Kopa Palue (11-4-2, 3KO's).

The Indonesian Kopa Palue who has reigned as WBO Asia Pacific featherweight interim champion as well as Indonesia's featherweight interim titlist.

ISHIKAWA VS "THE SLUGGER" ESPINO: EXPLOSIVE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT RUMBLE

In addition, Okinawa's super featherweight Shogo Ishikawa (9-3, 3KO's) will be in the line of fire in an 8-round combat against bantangue?o Cirilo "Slugger" Espino (17-10-2, 11KO's). Both, Ishikawa and Espino are 29 year-old and want this win so bad.

In his last fight, "The Slugger" Espino shockingly knocked out promising Japanese Masatoshi Kotani in round 9 at the Nakagusuku Gym in Okinawa.

Therefore, Espino's fight against Ishikawa will be his second appearance in The Land of The Rising Sun and "The Slugger" expects his second outing to be as successful and explosive as the first one.

Katsumata Promotions invites the general public to this exciting show in the historic Okinawa, the awesome islands where Karate originated; also the home of Kadena U.S. Air Force Base.


In addition, the event is positive for life in Okinawa as the charming island was hit in September by monster super typhoon Sanba whose top sustained winds of 175 mph caused widespread damage from which the brave Okinawans have been recovering.

This boxing show is a sign that to life goes on and well in Okinawa, a resilient island where combat sports have been a passion for ages.

Special invitation to Filipino boxing fans in Japan to support their three fellow country men Vergel "Ilocano Superman" Nebran, Cirilo "Slugger" Espino and Warlito Parenas "Wars Katsumata in their important November 18 fights in the Island of Okinawa.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.

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