Gonzales battles Canillas for PH lightweight title

Roberto Gonzales, whose resemblance with forgotten boxing hero Rolando Navarette makes him a crowd-favorite, starts his quest for his first major title as he clash with unbeaten Arjan Canillas of ALA Boxing Stable on March 12 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Gonzales (26-2-0, 16 KOs) and Canillas (13-0-2, 10 KOs) will battle for the vacant Philippine lightweight title.

‘‘This is a very exciting match. Both boxers have wonderful records. They are not patsies,” said Batangueño sportsman-businessman Elmer Anuran, president of Saved by the Bell Promotion.

The 5-foot-7 Gonzales was discovered by Anuran during an inter-barangay boxing tournament in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Gonzales, 25, was a former boatman in the popular tourist destination.

Canillas, 5-foot-8, isn’t an easy foe. A ward of world-class trainer Edito Villamor, the native of Toledo City stopped veteran Eusebio Baluarte in the third round last Dec. 18 at Marcelo Barba Sports Complex in Toledo.

Gonzales lost to Japanese Hirohito Fukuhara last November in Sambo Hall, Hyogo, Japan, but since then won his last six fights, two by knockouts.

Anuran said one of the main supporting bouts is the fight between Abe Concepcion (34-6-2, 20 KOs) and Jimmy Paypa (17-3-1).