The Braveheart Boxers of North Cotabato, led by World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight Oriental champion Lorenzo "Thunderbolt" Villanueva, will see action July 24 in Metro Manila in a card to be staged by former world bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa.
Braveheart Boxing Club owner Manny Pinol said Gerry Penalosa has offered to help the North Cotabato boxers gain exposure in Metro Manila by featuring four of its top contenders, including Villanueva, former WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight champion Jundy "Pretty Boy" Maraon, former WBO Interim Oriental bantamweight champion Rolando "Smooth Operator" Magbanua and Glenn "The Rock" Porras.
Four other young fighters from North Cotabato will also be seeing action in the undercard of what Penalosa calls a "Manila vs. Mindanao" match up to be held in a still undisclosed venue.
Gerry told Pinol that those who will perform well in the July 24 card will again see action in September, in a boxing event where Penalosa will be fighting his farewell bout prior to his formal announcement of retirement from boxing.
Villanueva, 23, who holds a record of 18 wins with 17 KOs, is being eyed by Gerry for a possible stint in the United States along with Maraon, 24, (13 wins, 11 KOs, 1 draw), Magbanua, 24, (17 wins, 12 KOs, 1 loss) and Porras, 24, ) 22 wins, 12 KOs, 2 losses).
Gerry's business manager, American Billy Keane, has expressed interest in helping the Braveheart Boxers get fights in the US in the future, Pinol said.
