The municipality of Hinoba-an was the gracious and hospitable host of the Abanse Negrense 6th District Boxing Festival on November 20, Sunday where Sipalay City was hailed as the champion LGU team of the tournament.
Organized by the Provincial Sports Office, the 6th District Boxing Festival attracted several boxing enthusiasts from the southern district including Candoni, Hinoba-an, Sipalay City, and Cauayan. Champion Sipalay City nabbed the most wins with five victories and four losses.
In second place was the Municipality of Candoni with 4 wins and 4 losses. Hinoba-an ranked third with 3 victories and 4 losses, while Cauayan landed in the fourth place with 2 wins and 4 defeats.
Candoni boxer Rey Escaran got the Best Boxer award, and the fight between Keve Stefan (Hinoba-an) and Eiron Toffee Bantillo (Candoni) was hailed the Best Bout of the tournament.
Held at the Hinoba-an Gymnasium, the tournament consisted of 15 bouts. Headed by Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Anthony V. Reliquias, the municipal officials came out in full support of the Abanse Negrense Sports Programs.
Mayor Reliquias also gave the opening remarks and Hon. Francisco Jose L. Bilbao, Jr, the municipality’s number one councilor, welcomed the participants and guests. Sixth District Board Member Valentino Miguel J. Alonso, Hinoba-an Vice Mayor Jefre L. Encoy and Candoni Mayor Ray Ruiz were also in attendance.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Sport Office head Anthony Carlo Agustin also attended the event. Gov. Lacson and WBO International Super Flyweight Champion Jay-R Raquinel both gave short but meaningful inspirational messages.
The Boxing Festival was part of the Grassroots Sports Development Programs spearheaded by Gov. Bong Lacson. The governor affirmed his commitment to provide the Negrense youth with more opportunities by creating, establishing, and implementing structured development programs at grassroots levels, which could pave the way for future champions in the province.
Meanwhile, the tournament was of one of the attractions of the Huba Huba Festival 2022.*
