VIGAN — After months of preparation, boxing prodigy Al Toyogon and opponent Joe Tejones are set to give all their best in the 2022 Bakbakan sa Ilocos Sur Pro Boxing and Pro Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts tournament to be held in Quirino Stadium, Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

Toyogon will fight Tejones in the match presented by Gov. Ryan Luis V. Singson, organized by Elorde Boxing Promotions of Maria Laureta Elorde and supported by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra with commissioners Eduard Trinidad and Mar Masanguid.

“Maganda po at mayroon tayong isang lugar at kasamahan gaya ni Gov. Ryan na nagmamahal sa sports, partikular sa boksing,” said Mitra, the former Palawan congressman and governor.

“Sana lahat ng gobernador ganyan, at siyempre sa tulong din ng sanggunian. Kami po sa GAB gusto po natin ang magkaroon ng mas maraming Philippine champions.”

Twenty-year-old Toyogon of Boxing Elorde Ilocos Sur weighted 135 lbs. while Tejones weighed 133.4 lbs for their 10 rounds of fight.

“Sakto ang paghahanda ko sa labang ito, kaya’t matira ang matibay sa amin ni Joe (Tejones), at higit akong nagpapasalamat sa ating Governor, kay Sir Ryan (Singson) at talagang buhos ang suporta niya sa amin,” said Toyogon, with an 11-6-1 under coach Rex Tito.

“Excited na tayong makita ang sagupaan ng ating mga bata (players) at naniniwala tayong magiging matagumpay ito sa tulong na rin ng ating mga kasamahan, gayundin kay chairman Baham,” said Gov. Singson, adding he is thankful for the support he received for the finale of 2022 Kannawidan Festival ng Ilocos Sur.

Apart from the main event, fans can also expect a good fight between the prodigal son of Sabang, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur Eusebio Corotan Jr. and Josaphat Navarro in the bantamweight division.

“Chance ko na po ito na muling maipamalas ang aking talento, gagawin ko ang lahat para manalo,” said the 18-year-old Ilocano.

Other fights include Jules Victoriano against Dave Barlas; Ranelio Duizo against Philip Cuerdo; Melvin Mananquil against Reymark Alicaba; Aljun Peliseo against Fernan Agencia; Bryan Tamayo against Ardel Romasasa; Gary Tamayob against Jeffrey Francisco; Jover Amistoso against Justine Polido; Jonniel Laurente vs Jufel Salina; Elmar Zamora against Carl Jeffrey Basil; Alexander Almacen against Benson Awidan; and Ali Canega against Menard Abila.

In the pro Muay Thai and MMA, Adrian Jay Batoto will fight Mark Joseph Abrillo of Las Pinas in the main event.

In the MMA women fight, Florivic Montero will fight against Mary Glyde Elizabeth, Pro MMA (49kg); Richard Lachica vs Daryl Mayormita, Pro MMA, (63kg.); and Rosemarie Recto vs Gretel Depaz Pro Muay Thai (130lbs).

The event, which is sponsored by Kawadan, RLVS, Fairtex and Lightwater, will start at 4 p.m. By Louis Pangilinan