Banario defends URCC Title

HONORIO Banario's camp is eyeing a title retention when he faces former defending champion Angelito Manguray in the URCC-Colt 45 Digmaan III on Sunday at the Grand Oases Convention Center in Davao City.

"He's good to go, and we're a little upbeat of this fight," said Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao of Banario, who is defending his lightweight belt for the first time after winning it against Manguray a few months back.

The expected grudge rematch is the featured event in the eight-match presentation of Colt 45 and URCC with PCSO and Tribal Gear as other sponsors also backed by Frenzy Condom, Chris Sports and Bulls Gloves with Solar Sports, Pinoy Extreme, TFC Bro.

Manguray, although the oldest URCC fighter at 45, will seek redemption after losing his crown to Banario by submission last April in a hostile crowd at the former champion's hometown.

"He's in tip top shape and we expect to return home with the belt," added Sangiao. "We have improved his boxing skills and we're hoping for a knock out late in the first round."

Fight night will also feature other exciting undercards with Benjie Lumacad and Isaac Tuling vying for the URCC Mindanao bantamweight title.

Other matches pit Eric Malusay against Flash Val Casas (pinweight); Daniel Solis against Michael Cesumision (bantam); Jun del Valle against Glen Balaba (bantam); Marlon Perocho against Orlemer Celeste (feather); Armando Cole against Eduard Monteza (feather); and Lorde Yamit against Ricardo Sapno (feather).

Lumacad is best remembered for winning a gripping three-round match over Jilmar "Stone Cold" Tangayan in the first Davao Digmaan. He holds a 2-0 record while Tuling has a 2-1 mark.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 20, 2011.