FIST OF FURY 10: Abne, Chinese foe make weight, ready to wage war

Sports

CEBUANO boxer Ian Paul Abne and Chinese knockout artist Dianxhing Zu hurled the initial test after they easily made the weight, setting the stage of their keenly awaited duel in the main event of the “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator” on Saturday night, May 9, at the Cebu Coliseum.

The two fighters crossed paths a day before their crucial encounter as the card had its official weigh-in on Friday, May 8, at the above-mentioned venue.

Abne of ARQ Boxing Stable came in at 104 pounds while Zhu was on the dot after tipping the scales at 105 pounds.

Ben Keilty, the Australian ratings chairman of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), was on hand to supervise the weigh-in proceedings.

Facing off in a 12-round IBF minimumweight world title eliminator, Abne and Zhu exuded confidence when they talked about their chances of securing a win that will earn them a shot at current champion Pedro Taduran.

Zhu was bolder.

“I am confident enough to win by knockout. I will win this fight,” Zhu said through his translator and manager, Robin Wong.

Zhu will be putting his 11-fight winning streak on the line while Abne will try to keep his unbeaten run going.

Abne has 12 wins, four by knockout, no losses, and two draws. Zhu has collected 16 wins, 14 by KO, with only one defeat.

“Dili nako gusto mag huna-huna kung kinsa ang ma-knockout. Ihatag lang nako tanan nako makaya para modaog ani nga fight,” Abe said.

Meanwhile, promoter Lorenzo “Chao” Sy said the card marks the start of the return of big-time boxing promotions in Cebu.

“I will do my best to revive the glory days of boxing in Cebu. If given the chance, we will stage a world title fight in Cebu,” Sy said.

Sy confirmed that Taduran will be at ringside to watch the Abne-Zhu duel.

Two title fights are also in store with Jimuel Aranas (8-3-1, 4 KOs) of Chao Sy Stable battling Jeric Noynay (5-2, 1 KO) of Martinez Stable for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Silver flyweight title and John Paul Gabunilas (10-4, 7 KOs) slugging it out with Ramil Roda Jr. (7-3-2, 4 KOs) for the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) super flyweight belt.

The card will start at 4 p.m. with six undercard duels taking place before the main attractions.(CCM)