Legazpi hosts WBC championship starring Taconing

Johnny Taconing of the Johnny Elorde stable stakes his WBC international light flyweight crown against top contender Ngaoprachan Chuwatana of Thailand Monday at the Ibalong Recreation Center in Legazpi City.

It will mark the first time Legazpi City will play host to a boxing championship bout. The Ibalong Recreation Center is a modern state-of-the-art air-conditioned facility that can house 8,000 spectators.

City administrator Noel Rosal, who is overseeing the preparations for this championship bout together with City Mayor Geraldine Rosal, said that this big event will open up their weeklong Ibalong celebration and is expected to draw a huge crowd.

International promoter Johnny Elorde said that Taconing is now rated No. 11 in the world and a successful second defense of his WBC International crown will bring him up the ratings and a possible crack at a world championship fight.

Elorde added that Chuwatana is no pushover as he is currently Thailand’s light flyweight champion and is known as knockout puncher.

The scheduled fight of Juan Martin “Bai” Elorde in the undercard was scrapped in the last minute as grandson of legendary Flash Elorde sustained an injury in his sparring and was advised by his doctor to rest for a month.

Former Philippine featherweight champion Vinvin Rufino has been tapped to replace the young Elorde and will be fighting against Richard Laano in the supporting mainer while undefeated Glenn Sumingit will be pitted against Rodel Quilaton in another 10 round encounter.

One 8-rounder, one 6-rounder and three 4-rounders complete the card which will start at 3 p.m. The WBC International office in Italy has appointed known referee Bruce McTavish as the referee and Dr. Nasser Cruz from the Games and Amusements Board Office (GAB) as supervisor.