Omega Bubble Boxing a Success

Cebu – Finally! The first ever pro sports event in the country held under bubble circumstances is done. And it turned out just fine at “Kumbati 5,” the professional boxing event of Omega Sports Promotions (OSP) held at the International Pharmaceuticals Inc. compound in Mandaue City, Cebu yesterday, October 7. Omega Boxing Gym’s world-ranked Christian Araneta and Mark Vicelles, along with young prospects Pete Apolinar and Carl Bacaro registered confidence-boosting victories over their respective foes in the first professional sports event held under ”new normal” circumstances as prescribed by the Inter Agency Task Force.

Araneta (18-1, 14 KOs), ranked ninth by the International Boxing Federation in the light flyweight division, scored a near shut-out unanimous decision win over Richard Reyes (14-13-2). Judge Edward Ligas scored the bout 100-88, while Rolando Mendoza and Angelito Piquero both had it 99-89. Araneta sent Reyes to the canvass in the fifth and sixth rounds and was comfortably in control of the fight.

Meanwhile, WBA Asia South champion Vicelles (12-0-1, 6KOs) knocked Junuel Lacar  down three times before winning by technical knock-out at 1:47 of the fourth round. It was an all-Vicelles show from start to finish where Lacar (8-6-3) never had the chance to get into the groove of things. Pete Apolinar (12-1, 8 KOs) went the distance after two straight KO wins to overcome tough veteran Jetro Pabustan (30-8-6) by unanimous decision. Piquero scored the bout 98-94, while Ligas and Mendoza had it 98-92. Carlo Bacaro scored his sixth straight win without a loss via technical knock-out over Jeffrey Stella at the start of the fourth round when Stella refused to answer the bell. It was the 20-year old Bacaro’s fifth win by KO.

Both OSP and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) were satisfied with the outcome of the event, with OSP’s Jerome Calatrava calling it a success. “Though we had our hands full with the health and safety protocols, it was worth everything. A very good learning experience,” he shared. For his part, GAB Supervisor Rolando Mendoza said that the event had discovered a place where health and safety protocols can be imposed. “We found a new place for a boxing promotion under new normal because it’s a safe and secured place,” he assessed. He explained further that they strictly enforced the required protocols such as pre-fight testing for all involved in the event, disinfecting the ring after every bout and having the referee change his uniform for every bout. Moreover, only 50 people were allowed in the venue including boxers, trainers, officials and the working crew. Designated color-coded zones and authorized areas within the venue were clearly identified for proper distancing. 

Ring physician Dr. Rene Bonsubre shared that for as long as all cooperate with the health protocols, more fight cards can be held with the Omega model. “As long as people follow pre fight protocols for two weeks, test negative and follow the rules, the Omega set-up will be fine,” he said. Calatrava revealed that should everything go as planned, they intend to stage another fight card in December.

Photo: Omega Boxing Gym