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.
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