Boholano boxer vies for IBF belt in Russia

Sports

BOHOLANO boxer Virgel “Valiente” Vitor looks to become a regional champion once more but the task is going to be daunting as he fights in enemy territory.

The Tagbilaran City native Vitor will challenge hometown bet Artur Subkhankulov for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Asia lightweight title on Saturday (Philippine time), Feb. 14, at the USC Soviet Wings in Moscow, Russia.

The two fighters faced each other a day before their duel for their weigh-in on Friday, Feb. 13. Both made the weight with Vitor coming in at 60.6 kilograms and Subkhankulov tipping the scales at 61.0 kgs.

The 28-year-old Vitor, a stalwart of PMI Bohol Boxing Stable, is on a two-fight winning streak.

Before scoring back-to-back wins, Vitor surrendered his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental super featherweight titles after succumbing to China’s Yeerjialahasi Laayibieke right in front of his hometown fans in Tagbilaran.

Vitor has 24 wins, including 17 knockouts, and four losses.

Subkhankulov is expected to give Vitor a tough test as the 34-year-old Russian is unbeaten in 10 fights with four knockout wins.(CCM)