The Philippines man known as “The Silencer” is without doubt one of the better technical stylists from that country. He has scored 15 wins against some top opposition, and he managed to put 11 of those victims to sleep. So you don’t need to ask why the ring name !
Arnel Baconaje is high caliber in the 126-130lb weight class, and it would be accurate to say, he would start a solid favourite to win this match at those weights.
But he moves to 135lb here – and he also moves to Dinh Hong Quan’s domain !
So he gives away size, height and reach here – and that is where this bout becomes a real 50/50 proposition.
The claims are that Dinh Hong Quan will be a vastly improved fighter for this, and he will need to be, as Baconaje represents a significant step up on the less experienced Jules Victoriano, and that was an extremely close contest.
Arnel Baconaje is without doubt one of the Philippines' best and most technical boxers.
He is also one of the most difficult to match!
"The Silencer" is a very skillful and solidly built 130, with a big KO ratio, and unfortunately, had three opponents drop out en route to TIGER 2O22.
Enter saviour Leonardo Doronio !
The internationally experienced, and former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner, resumed from a lay off in December, and produced a really solid win against Jimmy Borbon at 140 super lightweight. Doronio looked "heavy" in that match, and despite his strong showing against an improved Borbon, gave the appearance that a drop in weight class would really suit.
So when the call went out for a quality opponent for the much ducked Baconaje, Leonardo Doronio was quick to answer. But how to make a fight happen between fighters two divisions apart?
Simple - let's meet in the middle !
ARNEL BACONAJE v LEONARDO DORONIO
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
OK fight fans, here are three of the very best athletes that will be appearing at the upcoming TIGER 2O22 next month.
Arnel Baconaje, Jonathan Almacen and Benny Ligas pictured after yesterday morning's workout, and already looking ready for battle!
Baconaje is one of Philippines elite, and returns to the ring to match up with last start winner, and former Pacquiao sparring partner, Leonardo Doronio.
Jonathan Almacen is a quicksilver light flyweight, and has a much anticipated (and dangerous ) clash looming with the unbeaten John Paul Bentoso, a young killer who has posted all his wins by way of knockout !
Ben Ligas is all set to defend his Philippines national title, and the word is, he is training the house down!
Good luck boys, we know you will put on a great show!
TIGER 2O22 Ultimate Knockout Challenge
Paranaque, Manila
Saturday March 12th
Arnel Baconaje "The Silencer" is set to return March 2022 in a more uncompromising, brutal form, than ever before !
Baconaje enjoyed a breakout year, with three impressive wins over Jay Quidlat, Ivor Lastrilla and Danny Tampipi. He then ventured to Russia, taking a loss to the unbeaten Ivan Kozlovsky, for the WBC Asia title. The match proved to be more of a "hands full" experience for Arnel, as it was contested at two full divisions above his normal weight class.
Arnel Baconaje ranks as one of the Philippines most classy boxers, but he also boasts plenty in the power department. The fighter from Iloilo has racked up 11 knockouts in his 14 wins, and he is looking to continue on that rampaging path!
A real exponent of working high and low, Baconaje knows full well how to break down an opponent.
And when he lands the telling shots, well, as this aptly monikered boxer demonstrates, the SILENCE IS DEAFENING!
Bacolod's Genesis Servania will fight China's rising star Aketelieti Yelejian for the WBO Asia Lightweight title this November.
The highly-anticipated match up will take place on the undercard of the IBF world title fight between Pedro Taduran and Zhu DianXing at Jeju Island, South Korea.
Aketelieti Yelejian, who suffered a narrow loss to the Prince Albert Pagara in June, rebounded with an impressive IBF Asia victory against Korean Jin Su Kim in Vietnam recently. He is a very rangy and deceptive boxer known for his relaxed combinations, and he's supremely confident in his ability to take down Servania and claim the title.
"I've studied Servania's style, and I know I have the skills to outmaneuver him," Yelejian said yesterday.
"I'm excited to represent China on the international stage once more, and bring home an impressive win against a top and proven boxer like Genesis."
Servania, a seasoned veteran with a 35-4 record, boasts a reputation for toughness that has come from battles at the top level. And has still possesses some of the best body shots in the sport of boxing.
This important title shot gives the filipino the opportunity to re-establish himself on the world scene once more, and it's best remembered that his only defeats have came against world-ranked champions like Oscar Valdez and Andres Cortes.
But the China team have already confidently stated that Yelejian's youth, speed, height, and reach may all prove too much for the Filipino boxer.
Their optimism also exudes for the world title bout, where surprisingly, they are quite dismissive of Pedro Taduran's hopes of beating star Zhu DianXing. They actually rate their boxer so highly, they have predicted that the champion has no chance of retaining the belt.
These claims set up an intriguing backdrop for two massive Philippines v China feature bouts.
Fight Details :
- Date: Saturday, November 23rd
- Location: Jeju Island, South Korea
- Title: WBO Asia Lightweight
- Contenders: Aketelieti Yelejian (China) vs. Genesis Servania (Philippines)