By: Benjie Varella– Filipino boxing prospect Feranando Lumacad and his team are all set to leave Manila on June 14 for Los Angeles. His international promoter Sammy Gello-ani will arrive the following day to lead Team Lumacad to Juarez, Mexico for his final preparation as he gear up for a battle with popular Mexican warrior Jorge Arce (photo by Tom Casino) for the vacant Super Flyweight International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental Title on June 20. Lumacad’s manager Ken Smith who founded and based American Boxing Academy Stable in Digos City, Philippines told East Side Boxing that the 23 year old kid from the Philippines is in great shape and is more than ready to slug it out with Arce who is known as an aggressive fighter and a boxer who loves attacking each second of every round.
Smith said that Lumacad is well focused and stressed that Arce and the Mexican people will be in for a big surprise. He added that Lumacad’s hand speed and slick body movement will be the keys for the Mexican’s downfall..
Aliased as “Poe”, Lumacad’s nickname came from Fernando Poe Jr., a former movie action star and a National Artist from the Philippines. The actor who is also considered as a hero became popular with his rapid hands movement each time he fights with the villains.
Smith likened Lumacad to his idol Fernando Poe Jr., saying that his boxer’s fist will strike like lightning come fight day.
As for Lumacad, he is well aware that Arce who was a former world champion is not an easy fight. In fact this will be the toughest fight in his resume and to have a crack to a world title, he has to win convincingly against the Mexican warrior.
Lumacad’s record consists of 19 wins, 7 of these victories by way of knockout and two draws. His only loss was against another former world champion Wandee Singwancha late year 2007, the same boxer compatriot “Marvellous” Marvin Sonsona demolished in two rounds last month.
Lumacad who grew up in a poor family, stopped schooling to pave way for his brothers and sisters and is the breadwinner of the family. With all the hardships he encountered, Lumacad vowed that he is not letting this fight go by. He promised to his family that he will be victorious on June 20 and will come home with the IBF Intercontinental belt.
Lumacad, just like Manny Pacquiao sees boxing as a tool to lift his family out of poverty and beating Arce would definitely be a start of a bright future for him.