Manticao hails Abne bros’ ring exploits

By Lynde Salgados
Correspondent

MAYOR Tony Baculio and the local government of Manticao yesterday hailed the three Abne brothers, April Jay, Ian Paul, and Augustu for putting the quiet Misamis Oriental town on the pedestal of the Orient and Philippines’ boxing maps.

“We would like to congratulate April Jay Ibarrat Abne for being the OPBF (Orient Pacific Boxing Federation) flyweight champion. Congratulations also to his brothers Augusto Abne and Ian Paul Abne for the winning streak. Manticaonons are proud of you three,” Baculio posted on Usbaw Manticao Facebook Page.

The Abnes made history on October 30 when they took the Mandaue City boxing promotion by storm, fighting, and winning in all their respective ring matches.

The 22-year-old April Jay ‘Astroboy’ Abne edged the more experienced, bigger, and taller Bienvenido ‘Sniper Ben Fairtex’ Ligas from Manila via split decision in the 10-round main event fight to capture the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver flyweight belt.

In the undercard, Ian Paul Abne (3-0, 2 KOs) lost steam at the outset of his six-round bout with fellow undefeated Cristopher Caburog (now 2-1). But he was the busy fighter early, throwing more telling blows to walk away with a unanimous decision victory.

Their youngest brother, Augusto, appeared like still lacking in fundamentals.

In the opening bell, Augusto immediately brawled like a raging bull and got lucky to be the first to land a solid right to the jaw that dropped Marvin Campo to the canvas, ending quickly their four-round duel at the 1:46 mark of the first round.

“You make the name of Manticaonon. We’re so proud of you,” said one Belvia Toledo Noval.

“Nagtagad ‘mi ninyo nga makauli kay isuroy-suroy mo namo,” wrote another Baby-Bhoy Caharian in Poblacion-Manticao Facebook page.