Petalcorin in ‘best shape’ as faces Nicaraguan foe for IBF world title

Randy Petalcorin. Photo from his Facebook account

Another Filipino pugilist is taking his chance at boxing gold as Randy Petalcorin takes on Nicaraguan Felix Alvarado for the vacant IBF World light flyweight title on Oct. 29 at Midas Hotel and Casino Tent in Pasay City.

Petalcorin (29-2-1) is on a six-fight winning streak and has won 10 of his last 11 fights but Alvarado (33-2) is no pushover either with a string of 15 straight wins under his belt.

“I have worked so hard to prepare for this fight and claim the World title,” said the 26-year-old Petalcorin. “I am so hungry for a title belt. Alvarado’s record is very impressive but I will treat this fight as a matter of life and death. I will go for the win.”

If Petalcorin wins, he will be sixth Filipino to currently have World titles.

The southpaw from General Santos City won the vacant IBF Pan Pacific light flyweight title and was once the WBA World light flyweight champion after scoring a technical knockout win over China’s Yiming Ma in Beijing in 2015.

Petalcorin has been training in Sanman Gym in General Santos City, the breeding ground of iconic Filipino sluggers like the legendary Manny Pacquiao and Rolando Navarette, under the tutelage of head trainer Fernando Lumacad and assistant coaches Jonathan Baat and Marquil Salvana.

“I am in the best shape so far, I have sacrificed a lot and gave my everything for this fight,” said Petalcorin who has so far sparred for 110 rounds with four different partners. “Alvarado is a world class fighter but fights are won in the gym and I am confident I am 100 percent ready.”

Alvarado, meanwhile, is not taking Petalcorin lightly.

“Randy is a champion and a good fighter but I need to bring that belt home to Nicaragua,” said the 29-year-old Alvarado who lost two of his chances for the WBA World light flyweight title losing in 2013 and 2014.

“My country is filled with conflicts and tragedies and this win will be my gift to the Nicaraguan people,” said Alvarado. “We anticipate Randy’s condition and we did our best to be in better shape than him. I have done everything in the gym.”

The main event will be broadcast on ESPN5 at 7 pm.