THE MAKING OF A MANOBO KID INTO A FUTURE STAR IN BOXING
By Manny Piñol
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 05 Oct 2014
Bravo.
The big names in the flyweight division may be the main feature in the Oct. 11 Boxing Revolution II: Clash of the Little Titans in the Almendras Gym in Davao City, but... it will certainly be a young Manobo fighter who will be the object of curiosity for the night.
Michael Andip Bravo, 19, a Manobo boxer from Barangay Birada, Kidapawan City, will enter the ring as perhaps the first member of his tribe, found mostly in the North Cotabato, Davao and Bukidnon areas to become a professional fighter.
With a record of 5 wins, 1 loss and 3 KOs, Bravo, who once campaigned as an amateur and was handled for a while by former Manny Pacquiao trainer Rick Staheli in Angeles City, will enter the ring wearing his tribe's colors.
He will be going up against a Muslim boxer from Saranggani, Saddam Barambangan, who is more experienced and older than Bravo.
It will be Bravo's first appearance under Sonshine Sports Management which has taken over his career after Rick Staheli agreed to allow him to move down to Mindanao to be near his family.
Jun Cardona and Soc Pinol, who are overseeing the activities and the training of the Sonshine Sports boxers now, describe Bravo as a very hardworking boxer who follows his trainers' instructions.l
"This boy will go a long way," said Soc who added that Bravo's exotic looks will certain capture a lot of attention.
A check with youtube.com showed that Bravo not only boxes well but he could also sing.
On Oct. 11, world champion Rey Loreto, former world champion Edrin Dapudong and world ranked Denver Cuello may be the big names in the card.
But it will certainly be the name Michael Bravo people will be watching out for.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Manny Piñol.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ABAP feels WB’s growing pains
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Laurente is new Philippine super featherweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Yoseline Perez and Malachi Georges Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Five of World Boxing Championships
Tue, 09 Sep 2025GM candidate Ronald Dableo's squad rules Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso Inter-Barangay Chess Team Tournament, pockets P150,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Saggap, Manayon top Heritage Aquathlon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Rizal Memorial Coliseum: The Arena That Endured War and Forged Generations of Filipino Greats
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 09 Sep 2025“The Homecoming” turned into Coronation for Marco Romero
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz Speaks After Pushing Eduardo Nunez to the Limit in Thrilling War – A Potential Fight of the Year
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Santisima Wins But Vicelles Loses; Suarez-Navarrete Rematch Hangs in the Balance?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Locked & loaded for Lewis Crocker rematch, Paddy Donovan has prepared to be crowned the new IBF Welterweight World Champion
Mon, 08 Sep 2025Robby Gonzales Advances to Round of 16 with Win Over Cuba
Mon, 08 Sep 2025James Padua rules Marikina rapid chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 08 Sep 2025