Undefeated Pinoy champ to defend title in Pacquiao-Broner undercard

Undefeated Filipino boxing champion Jhack “El Capitan” Tepora will try to defend his World Boxing Association Featherweight Interim title in one of the undercard fights in the January 19 match between eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and American slugger Adrian Broner.

According to a report by GMA News' Mav Gonzales on Unang Balita, Tepora, who won via knockout in his last six fights, will be challenged by Mexican Hugo Ruiz.

The 25-year-old Tepora from Cebu, who has a professional boxing record of 22-0, expressed confidence that he is set for victory versus Ruiz whose record stands at 38-4.

“Excited lang po. Walang kaba,” said Tepora, who will be fighting in the United States for the first time.

Ruiz, for his part, said during the media call that he is going to fight Tepora with Pacquiao as his inspiration. Pacquiao used to fight in the undercards in Las Vegas before being the only boxer who has won eight titles in eight different weight classes.

Two other Filipinos are fighting in the undercard: Jayar Inson, who is going up against American Jonathan Steele, and Genesis Libranza, who will slug it out with Nicaraguan fighter Carlos Buitrago. —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News