Reigning WBO holder Palicte fights Apolinario in Gensan bout

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  --Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental and NABF super flyweight champion Aston “Mighty” Palicte will fight former WBO Oriental super flyweight champion John Mark Apolinario in a non-title bout on June 10 at the Robinson’s Mall Atrium in General Santos City.

The 10-rounder is one of the exciting pairs in the “Brawl at the Mall: The Homecoming” boxing card of the Sanman Promotions.

Palicte, who holds 22 wins, 2 losses, 0 draw, and 18 knockouts (KOs), won his two titles via a split decision against then-undefeated Oscar Cantu (14-0) last December 17 at the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Palicte, who is also a former WBO Oriental super flyweight title-holder, earlier pocketed the vacant IBF Pan Pacific super flyweight title by knocking out Vergilio Silvano in the 7th round last June 24 at the Jurado Hall of the Philippine Marine Corp in Taguig City.

Palicte, who is fighting under Soong Boxing Stable, is accompanied by his trainer Apolinario. He will enjoy the huge support of the crowd on fight night for being a native of nearby Maasim, Sarangani Province.

“Maningkamot ko na maka daug kay daghan sa akong mga ka pamilya ang mutan aw sa away namo,” (I will try my best to win because many of my relatives will be watching our fight),” said the 27-year old Apolinario, who has a record of 18 wins, 8 losses, 3 draws, and 4 KOs.

Apolinario, however, had dropped his two ring assignments last year. He bowed to Luke Jackson by a unanimous decision in their battle for the vacant WBA Oceania featherweight title last March 5 in Tasmania, Australia.

Apolinario later dropped a majority decision to Jason Cooper on May 14 in Queensland, Australia. He last won against Ronnie Sunido by a unanimous decision last December 27, 2015 in Zamboanga.

He also lost by a unanimous decision in challenging WBA World bantamweight champion Koki Kameda in Tokyo, Japan in 2013.

Apolinario also twice settled to a draw – majority (2012) and split (2013) - to Roberto Vasquez for the interim WBA World bantamweight title in Panama.

Apolinario captured the vacant WBO Oriental super flyweight title via a unanimous decision against Palicte’s older brother Vincent in 2010 at the Arayata Sports Complex in Tanza, Cavite.

“Kaya po ako todo sa ensayo upang maka ganti sa kanya,” (That’s why I’ve been training hard to avenge the loss of my brother) said Palicte, who is now being trained by his brother Vincent.

Palicte has already been training and sparring with different fighters at the Sanman Gym including Froilan Salujar.

The other bouts of the free to the public boxing event: Romero Duno vs. Jason Tinampay (10 rds.-135 lbs.); Markquil Salvana vs. Alvin Bais (8 rds.-122 lbs.); Muhamad Farkhan vs. Marlon Alta (6 rds.-175 lbs.); Rimar Metuda vs. Jovanie Rota (132 lbs.);

Dave Apolinario vs. Prince Canonero (4 rds.-108 lbs.); Mark Antonio vs. Rusty Padua (4 rds.-112 lbs.); Garren Diagan vs. Ryan Makiputen (6 rds.-108 lbs.); Jagear Bereno vs Rudy Salaton (4 rds.-110 lbs.); Ar-jay Recopelacion vs. Rio Golipatan (4 rds.-107 lbs.); Yoben Lementillo vs. Mark Erick Menor (4 rds.-122 lbs.); Jayson Francisco vs. Elizer Ambon (4 rds.-108 lbs.) (Lito delos Reyes/PNA)