Abapo prepares for Pacquiao

By Dennis Principe

11.06 - There remains one last obstacle which top local superfeatheweight contender Bart Abapo hopes to hurdle before focusing on his long-delayed title shot versus defending Philippine champion Bobby Pacquiao.

Tonight in Mandaue City in Cebu, the undefeated Abapo will face former RP#1 Felipe Jun Longakit in a 10-round non-title fight which the Cebuano boxer hopes to use as a tune-up before facing Pacquiao in a Philippine title fight on August 30.

The 24-year old Abapo has actually faced every available boxer in the 130-lb division while waiting for his chance to fight Pacquiao, younger brother of world champion Manny Pacquiao.

While Pacquiao was too busy completing his trilogy with bitter rival Baby Lorona, Jr. which began November of last year, Abapo kept himself active by fighting heavier foes.

On December 8, 2002, Abapo marched into hostile territory and fought legitimate junior welterweight contender Hideyuki Furuhashi in Akashi, Japan.

Abapo used his quickness and precision punching to offset the massive advantage of his Japanese rival. For failing to knock his opponent out, Abapo settled for a dubious 10-round draw.

Last January in Cebu, Abapo was on his way in crushing rugged veteran Samuel Duran by knocking down the Bukidnon-native once each in the 5th and 6th rounds. But an illegal push by Duran coupled by two indefensible blows in the 8th round gave Abapo a disqualification win.

Abapo last fought on March 28, 2003 where he stopped Al Deliguer in the 8th round to improve his record to 11-0-1, nine of his wins came by way of knockout.

In the undercard, four top-notch amateur standouts of Cebu boxing patron Antonio Aldeguer will make their professional debut.

Leading the pack is superflyweight Rey Bautista, a power-punching teener who, in a recent workout, captured the fancy of noted boxing personalities namely Rod Nazario, Lawyer Rudy Salud and businessman Marty Elorde.

Other amateurs who will start their bid in the paid ranks are minimumweight Rocky Fuentes, superbantamweight Reynald Tribo and Remam Salim.