Preliminary bouts set for Ultimate Boxing Series

The contenders for the Ultimate Boxing Series take a picture with boxing legend Gerry Penalosa and ESPN5 president Chot Reyes. Ivan Saldajeno

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--The stage is now set for the inaugural Ultimate Boxing Series.

Ten flyweight and 10 bantamweight prospects will battle it out for a chance to become part of a major boxing card later this year.

Boxing legend turned promoter Gerry Peñalosa and ESPN5 president Chot Reyes announced the first round of the single-elimination tournament on Thursday during the UBS media launch at Midas Hotel.

In the flyweight division, Ronel Sumalpong takes on Ruben Dadivas, Joseph Bayubay battles Christoval Furog, Ian Refuela clashes with Welben Montere, and April Jay Abne collides with Ronel Dela Cruz with a swing bout between Denmark Quibido and Rey Tagulaylay.

The bantamweight division will have Lienard Sarcon battling Rimon Rama, Dave Barlas locking horns with Aljum Pelesio, Lenjun Retuerto clashing with Gary Tamayo, and John Mark Tihuk rumbling with Luis Evander Borje with Ken Jordan and Kevin Aseniero booked for the swing bout.

The bouts will take at the old TV5 office in Quezon City sometime in June.

The two pugilists per division who will survive the first two rounds of the tournament will slug it out in the tournament finals, which will take place in the undercard of the Aug. 25 world title bout between Carlo Peñalosa and Maximino Flores.

[Related Story: Carlo Peñalosa battles Mexican foe for vacant belt]

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