‘The Crank’ and ‘Pikaboo’ dedicating fights to CNMI

Local mixed martial artists Frank “The Crank” Camacho and Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez will have the CNMI people in their minds and in their hearts when they take on separate opponents in PXC 49 set for tonight at the University of Guam Field House.

Frank “The Crank” Camacho, left, and Japan’s Kengo Ura strike a pose during a media event for tonight’s PXC 49 in Guam. (Facebook)

In the aftermath of Typhoon Souledor’s destructive path through the Commonwealth, which has left hundreds without homes and thousands injured, Trench Tech Gym owner Cuki Alvarez said both Camacho and his son would be dedicating their fights to the CNMI people.

“Saipan suffered major devastation. It will take many months to fully recover. Many families and friends lost everything. This has affected us (Shane, Frank, and myself) immensely both mentally and emotionally and even spiritually, especially since it happened right in the middle of our final preparation before heading to Guam to represent our island. It’s bittersweet leaving our home during a time we feel they need us the most, however, this incident has also driven us and has burned our fighting desire to do the best we can and represent our islands even more to show our fighting spirit, out resilience, our determination, and our humility to come back stronger than ever,” the elder Alvarez told Saipan Tribune via Facebook.

Camacho, who will be entering the fight with a 16-3-0 win-loss-draw record, will be taking on Japan’s Kengo Ura (13-9-2) in a lightweight matchup.

Shane Alvarez (10-2-0), meanwhile, will challenge the Philippines’ Jessie Rafols (8-4-0) in a flyweight bout.

Cuki Alvarez said they were very fortunate to have been able to fly to Guam and see action in PXC 49.

“My son Shane and I were lucky enough to make it out on Cape Air/United Airlines last night (Wednesday). It was the only flight available. So we made it and we are here focusing on cutting the last few pounds before weigh-ins tomorrow (Thursday) morning at Cars Plus in Maite at 11 am,” he said.

Camacho, whose parents are from Saipan, is currently based in Guam.

“Preparation was very good up until Sunday evening when the typhoon hit. We weren’t able to train for a couple of days but we managed to make the best of it and persevered through the setback and are ready to dedicate this fight to the people of Saipan,” the Trench Tech founder added.

Other matches in the eight-bout fight card will have Guam’s Brogan Walker (1-0-0) taking on debuting Gabby Romero of the U.S., McKiana Alfred (3-2-0) squaring off against Mike Sanchez (1-1-0) in a Guam vs. Guam flyweight fight, Guam’s Trevin Jones (6-4-0) opposite New Zealand’s Mark Abelardo (11-3-0) in a bantamweight matchup, Tyrone Jones (4-4-0) of Guam testing the mettle of Japan’s Takayuji Kobayashi (7-7-1) in a lightweight bout, Guam’s Eric Gatman (2-0-0) going up against lightweight Koyomi Matsushima (2-0-0) of Japan, and newcomers Mike Puccini and Frank Meno duking it out in yet another Guam vs. Guam fight.