Pinoy Pride: Servania faces big test vs Muñoz

MANILA, Philipines — Whether Genesis “Azukal” Servania is sugary sweet or bittersweet will be known Saturday when he disputes the World Boxing Organization Intercontinental junior featherweight crown with Alexander Muñoz at Solaire Resort & Casino in Parañaque City.

An explosive former two-division world champion, Muñoz (36-5, with 28 knockouts) will be the toughest assignment thus far for the unbeaten Servania, (23-0, 9 KOs), the 22-year-old pride of Bacolod.

The Servania-Muñoz 12-round tussle banners Pinoy Pride XXIV, a joint undertaking of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports.

Wary of the Venezuelan’s vaunted record of having stopped his first 23 foes, Servania and trainer Edito Villamor spent time training and sparring against quality boxers in San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.

“I know he (Muñoz) is a pressure fighter, but I’ve trained 100 percent and ready to make adjustments in the ring,” Servania said in yesterday’s press conference.

The 35-year-old Muñoz said he’s “going to explode and the knockout will come.”

Muñoz, whose losses came against continental and world champions, said he will use his vast experience and power in both hands against Servania.

Rising star “Prince” Albert Pagara, only 19 but already with an impressive 18-0, 12 KOs record, will clash with Indonesian Isack Junior (22-4-2, 8 KOs) over 10 rounds in the 122 lb chief support of the card to be aired over Channel 2 on Sunday at 10:15 a.m.

“King” Arthur Villanueva (24-0, 14 KOs) is expected to cruise to victory against substitute foe Fernando Aguilar (9-6, 1 KO) of Mexico in their 115-pound showdown.

ALA president Michael Aldeguer said Servania and Villanueva are being groomed for world title fights this year.