TWO amateur fighters from Builders’ Gym located at Km 6, La Trinidad, Benguet wracked their opponents to secure a double win in Urdaneta, Pangasinan.
The event entitled; “Tapang sa Tapang” under the Rehiyon Uno Fighters Promotion, which transpired on July 25, 2021, was organized by Kru Ronel Sibayan of Taraki Muaythai gym.
The visiting team from the Cordillera had three fighters in the fight card. Two stepped in the boxing ring while one was in the kickboxing tournament.
Daniel Egsaen, now with a record of 3-0 in his amateur boxing career was able to finish his opponent with a barrage of punches before the referee stopped the fight. Now, the senior high fresh graduate from the Baguio City National High School, is one of the young guns to follow from the Builders Gym.
Xander Alipio, also a fresh senior high graduate from the same school, is one of the well-known prospects in Baguio City as he is very active in combat sports competing in various fights such as wushu, grappling, and Muaythai. Alipio, 18, a native of Isabela but now currently residing in Liteng, Baguio City, is a very slick and lanky fighter gifted with fast reflexes and sharp striking arsenals which catapulted him to an unblemished kickboxing amateur career. Following the win in Urdaneta, he now holds a record of 3-0.
According to Mr. Arnel Kidweng, coach and owner of Builders Gym, the fighters showed how real hungry warriors should perform.
Even on short notice, both Alipio and Egsaen gave everything that they had once they stepped inside the ring, putting pressure on their opponents, eventually leading to a stoppage before the bell was sounded.
Meanwhile, Nas Bestudio who fought in the first fight of the event was not successful in his stint at the kickboxing ring. But according to Mr. Kidweng, it was still a good outing as the La Trinidad based fighter gained experience and will surely learn from it.
In an online interview with coach Arnel, he said, “The invitation was very short notice, but as Igorot warriors, it is never an excuse not to perform great inside the ring even if the training camp was not enough”. He then added that the fighters showed their immense bravery inside the ring.
All in all, the team was 2-1 in their stint to conquer the Rehiyon Uno Fighters amateur martial arts promotion. – Tan Dulag
