FAVORITES Ronie Mark Vicelles and Penitente Apolinar marked the successful return of pro boxing in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic after hacking out contrasting victories Wednesday night at the International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI) Compound in Tingub, Mandaue City.
Vicelles scored a 4th round knockout of Juniel Lacar in their 10-round light-flyweight match, while Apolinar, the former Naoya Inoue sparmate, came away with a unanimous decision win over Jetro Pabustan in a featherweight bout set at 10 rounds.
The fight card dubbed ‘Kumbati 5’ was presented by Omega Sports Promotions under Jerome Calatrava and supervised by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
The promotion signaled the return of pro boxing industry in the country as part of the new normal.
Health protocols crafted by Joint Administrative Order (JAO) and GAB were strictly followed by the promotions, starting with the isolation of fighters and ring officials in a bubble for 14 days before the fight.
Swab and rapid testing were also administered, while health conditions of all personnel were monitored in coordination with the GAB.
During fight night, safety officers worked the required PPE such as face masks, face shields, and gloves, while social distancing was strictly observed.
Apolinar raised his record to 12-1 (8 KOs), while the 24-year-old Vicelles kept his unbeaten mark at 12-0 (6 KOs) after stopping Lacar in the 1:47 mark of the fourth.
In other results, Carlo Bacaro scored a TKO over Jeffrey Stella, while Christian Araneta was a unanimous decision winner over Richard Rosales.
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