THE late promising fighter Karlo Maquinto will be remembered in the boxing promotion Kamao: Kidlat at Maso on September 21 at the Astrodome.
Unbeaten Froilan 'The Sniper' Saludar takes on Mexican Jose Alfredo Tirado in the main bout of the fight card pomoted by the Shape Up boxing gym, the same Baguio-based stable where Maquinto belonged before his untimely death last February.
The 21-year-old Maquinto collapsed after his fight against Marc Joseph Costa last January 28 in Kalookan City after suffering from what doctors called 'subdural hematoma.’ He fell into a coma and died five days later. A native of Lambunao, Iloilo, Maquinto had a record of 8-0 with 6 KOs.
“Karlo is well-known in Baguio, mahal na mahal siya ng mga tao doon. Kaya this is our way of paying homage to him and fighters just like him whose careers were snuffed out too soon,” said Shape Up boxing gym owner Anson Co Tiu, who became emotional as he remembered the fallen boxer who used to be close to him during Maquinto’s stay in the country’s summer capital.
Tiu was at the PSA Forum on Tuesday where he was joined by Saludar, Mark Jason Melligen, Jerwin Ancajas, Joven Jimenez, promoter Sammy Gello-ani, and Games Amusements Board chairman Juan Ramon Guanzon and GAB boxing division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz.
World Boxing Organization (WBO) executive Leon Panoncillo also attended the public sports program as the WBO interim Oriental flyweight title will be at stake in the 12-round fight.
Saludar, holder of 15-0 record with 11 KOs, vows to beat Tirado (27-11, 19 KOs) in honor of Maquinto.
“Gagawin po natin ang lahat para maipanalo ang laban na ito para kay Karlo Maquinto,” said the brother of former Asian Games gold medalist Rey Saludar.
“Let us not allow Karlo’s passing to be for nothing,” added Tiu.
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