Magbanua, Asenjo face Thais on Oct.19 in Pigcawayan

Pigcawayan, North Cotabato - This frontier town about 60,000 people, scene of many conflicts in the past, will experience a different kind of encounter -- a more exciting and enjoyable spectacle -- when two of its young boxers go up against opponents from Thailand at the municipal gymnasium here on Oct. 19.

Former national amateur team member Rolando Magbanua, a junior featherweight who has remained undefeated in a young professional career with 10 wins and 6 knockouts in his record, and the flashy and exciting Rommel Asenjo, former Palarong Pambansa gold medallist, will showcase their talents before their townmates on the even of Pigcawayan's town fiesta.

Magbanua, 22, who stopped veteran international campaigner Ruben Santillanosa in his last outing, will be going up against Thailand's Yodchamchai Sithsoei in a 10-round non-title main event of a card sponsored by the Association of Barangay Chairmen of Pigcawayan and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Capayuran.

Magbanua, called "Smooth Operator" because of his artful movements inside the ring, is one of the top prospects of the Braveheart Boxing Club of North Cotabato for an international title.

Asenjo, 19, on the other hand hopes to avenge his points loss in Thailand earlier this year as he takes on another Thai fighter Denchailek Sithsoei in another 10-round miniflyweight encounter.

Asenjo, a southpaw who is called "Little Assassin", holds a record of 8 wins with 6 knockouts as against 2 losses, both coming by decision in very close fights. One of that loss is a controversial points loss to a stablemate of Denchailek in February this year in Thailand.

North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pinol, who manages both Magbanua and Asenjo, said that fights of the two Pigcawayan boxers before the hometown crowd is part of the fiesta celebration of the town which only recently was one of the areas affected by the conflict between the government and a rebel group.

"This is our way of sowing to everybody that life is back to normal in North Cotabato," the vice governor said.

Pigcawayan Mayor Herminio Roquero said the whole town is excited over the prospect of seeing the two outstanding fighters get into action against foreign opponents.

In the undercard, top Philippine bantamweight contender Glenn Porras who is preparing for a crack at the Philippine title takes on a local opponent for 10 rounds.

At least 6 more professional fights and a long list of amateur bouts will be featured during the event promoted by Fortstone Sports Promotions of Board Member Soc Pinol.