MANILA, Philippines – Aside from former bantamweight champion Crisanto Pitpitunge, 3 of his Team Lakay colleagues are slated to compete on the undercard of Pacific Xtreme Combat’s first live event in 2016 numbered "PXC 51".
Gina Iniong locks horns with Spanish fighter Vanessa Rico in a 3-round atomweight contest, while Jon Cris Corton squares off with Uzbekistani flyweight Farmon Gafarov.
Iniong and Corton were originally penciled to strut their wares at PXC’s year-end event last December, but both were compelled to withdraw from the card after being denied a visa going to Guam.
Iniong (3-2) was last seen in action in November 2014 when she yielded to current UFC strawweight competitor Cortney Casey via first round submission under the PXC banner.
Prior to the disappointing defeat, she was riding high on a two-fight win streak, thwarting Nathalie Heidel via first-round technical knockout in November 2013 before outpointing Japanese veteran Mei Yamaguchi by split decision in March 2014.
On the other hand, Fernandez (2-1) is coming off two-straight submission wins since losing her prizefighting debut against Ireland’s Catherine Costigan in June 2013.
Iniong’s teammate Corton (3-2) triumphantly made his first appearance inside PXC’s Terror Dome in June 2014 when he stopped Rufino Mante with elbows and punches in the first round.
Despite the hometown advantage, a tough test awaits Corton as he faces Gafarov, who is undefeated in 3 professional bouts and had a noteworthy run in the South Korea-based Top Fighting Championship.
Also wearing the colors of Team Lakay at PXC 51 is Stephen Loman (5-1), who meets URCC alumnus Rex De Lara (2-5).
Meanwhile, Pitpitunge is set to slug it out with compatriot Jenel Lausa for the vacant PXC flyweight championship in the main event.
Elevating its loyal audience’s viewing experience by upgrading to a world-class location, PXC has released the final lineup for its maiden affair at Solaire Resort and Casino’s Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City on January 16.
Wesley Perriera of Brazil battles Sho Kagane of South Korea, Ernie Braca of the Philippines dances with American Emilio Urrutia, and Japan’s Nao Yoneda faces Han Seul Kim of South Korea. – Rappler.com