Dave Apolinario shares take on foe for upcoming world title fight

Filipino contender Dave Apolinario knows what he is dealing with when he takes on Angel Ayala for the vacant IBF world flyweight title on August 9 in Mexico.

Apolinario, unbeaten as a boxer with a perfect record of 20-0 with 14 knockouts, will have his first attempt at a world title in hostile territory. He acknowledges Ayala as a good opponent but laments that the latte lacks punching power.

"Angel Ayala is good but he does not have much power. He was able to prove himself in his last fight against Felix Alvarado. I am not underestimating his abilities and I had to prepare really hard for him to win," Apolinario said in Filipino in an exclusive interview.

"We have to prepare for this way back because this is a world title [fight] and [I do not] want to waste the opportunity. I will work hard to win the belt."

Like Apolinario, the 24-year-old Mexican has yet to taste defeat, holding a record of 17-0 with 7 knockouts. Capable of body punching and boxing on the outside, Apolinario says the early going would be crucial in the upcoming fight.

"I have to make adjustments, give it a [feel] in the early rounds. I will work hard to win the fight," Apolinario quipped.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News