PHILIPPINES VS CHINA: Threats of knockout fly in ARQ Sports’ ‘Engkwentro 14’

Sports

IT’S Philippines versus China in the 14th installment of ARQ Sports’ “Engkwentro” boxing series slated Saturday night, December 14, at the Bulacao Sports Complex in Cebu City.

The free-to-the-public boxing show will see two undefeated ARQ Boxing Stable stalwarts vie for regional titles against separate Chinese opponents.

Berland Robles (10W-0L-1D, 4KOs) will take on China’s Chenghao Luo (7W-1L-1D, 4KOs) for the WBA South flyweight title. In the co-main event, Robles’ stablemate Jan Paul Abne (11W-0L, 4KOs) will battle Luo’s compatriot Jin Ping Yang (5W-4L-1D, 1KO) for the WBA South minimumweight belt.

The two Chinese boxers arrived in Cebu around 3 a.m. on Friday, and their trainer/manager Ye Tian admitted that his wards weren’t able to fully prepare for the fight.

The lack of preparation of the Chinese protagonists showed during the card’s weigh-in ceremony on Friday morning, December 13.

Robles was two pounds below the 112-pound weight limit. Luo, for his part, was way above the weight limit after tipping the scales at 118.2 pounds.

“He got the notice about the fight just two weeks ago,” said Tian.

For being overweight, Luo will not be able to bring home the WBA belt even if he wins the fight. The title will instead be declared vacant if Luo beats Robles.

Abne, on the other hand, weighed 104.4 pounds, just half a pound lighter than the 105-pound weight limit. Yang logged 106.4 pounds but was able to meet the weight limit after a few rounds of jogging right after the weigh-in proceedings.

Despite facing weight issues, the two Chinese boxers expressed confidence of winning their respective fights.

“I will knock Robles out within eight rounds,” Luo said via Tian.

Yang also vowed to put Abne to sleep.

“Six rounds,” Yang said when asked what round Abne would go down.

Robles and Abne just shrugged off their opponents’ threat.

The two ARQ fighters said their respective fights are so important that losing is not an option.

“I will not predict a knockout but I will do my best inside the ring. This fight is very important because this will finally give me a regional title,” said Robles.

Abne didn’t hold back when he talked about his chances of beating Yang.

“If he does not run, I will send him crawling on the canvas,” Abne said.

Aside from Abne and Robles, three other ARQ boxers will see action in the undercards.

Rodel Wenceslao will face Ryan Sermona, April Jay Aben will take on Anferne Palara and Angelus Pilapil will clash with Mohaleden Kalibo.(CCM)