APOLINARIO - 117 LBS., VASQUEZ - 118 LBS FOR WBA INTERIM BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE IN PANAMA (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 16 Mar 2013
PANAMA CITY, Panama - Former 2-division champion Roberto ?La Arana? Vasquez of Panama tipped the scales at 118 lbs, while Filipino John Mark ?Iceman? Apolinario came in at 117 lbs during the official weighin Friday ahead their clash for the vacant WBA interim bantamweight title Saturday night (Sunday morning in the Philippines) at the Megapolis Convention Center here in Panama.
Both fighters looked in excellent shape, quickly beating the scale in their first try.
It will be the second fight between the veteran Panamanian, a crafty former world champion, and the Filipino hopeful. The two fought to a draw last November in Colon, Argentina.
?Now I know Vasquez. He is good and experienced. Pero I know I can beat him. Before our first fight in Argentina, I had about 1 year without action. Now I am hot,? said Apolinario, a proud Sarangani native whose goal is to become a bantamweight champion of the world.
Apolinario is accompanied by his manager Rajan Yraola.
The Vasquez-Apolinario fight for the WBA interim bantamweight championship is the co-main event of the Casimero-Rios rumble for the IBF Jr. Flyweight world title.
Other Filipino team members in Panama are: Angel Dela Merced and Juan Pablo Castillo (of Omega Pain Killer) as well as head trainer Christopher "Ping Ping" Tepura (of Cebu's Omega Gym).
Promoter is Sampson Lewkowicz of Uruguay. Co-promoters Carlos Gonzalez of Best Box and Sammy Gello-Ani of Cebu, Philippines.
The fight will be broadcast LIVE on ABS CBN Channel 2 at 11am (Manila Time). TV MAX will broadcast the event live on open TV in Panama.
Apolinario.
Vazquez.
Apolinario (L) and Vazquez.
Gilberto Jesus Mendoza (L), vice president of the WBA and Daryl Peoples, president of the IBF pose for Philboxing.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
Wed, 11 Feb 2026Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
Wed, 11 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Wed, 11 Feb 2026IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 11 Feb 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Wed, 11 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
By Eric Armit, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026