CNMI Big Nite boxers unveiled

Organizers behind the CNMI Big Nite introduced to the media some of the fighters who will see action in the boxing and entertainment extravaganza set this July 11 at the Nauru Building parking lot.

In a news briefing held last Friday at the BJ Halina Restaurant in San Antonio, venture partners Joe P. Mafnas, Lee Ganacias, Hong Sik Baik, and Andy Padilla unveiled four amateur fighters training for the fight.

Of the four, the most experienced is welterweight Pete Castro. The six-year veteran has a 4-2 record fighting in the 147-153-lbs. division. He said he couldn’t wait to put the gloves back on for an actual fight after shadow boxing and sparring with reluctant boxers the past few months.

Another veteran expected to duke it out in the 118-120-lbs category is Manny Pacquiao-look-alike Aguinaldo Tesado. The Hyatt Regency Saipan employee has a 3-1 record and is fresh from a month-long stint in Manila’s LSG Gym, where Pacquiao also trained.

A couple of fresh faces will also make their boxing debuts during the CNMI Big Nite.

Chris Sablan hopes to parlay his lifetime passion for boxing by sowing terror in the light heavyweight division. The 22-year-old said he wants to put on a show for boxing fans to remember.

The Benjamin of the group is 20-year-old Jay Muna. A student at the Northern Marianas Collge, Muna said he only started training for the sport two months ago and hopes he comes out of his fight still in one piece.

Long-time Saipan referee Al Taitano said 18 other amateur fighters from Saipan and Tinian could be considered in the shortlist of boxers that will see action in the CNMI Big Nite.

The news briefing also saw BJ Sports and Entertainment introduce security officer Cheol Park of Black Tiger Security. Padilla said Park would provide security for the fighters before, during, and after the fight.

Park will also be in charge in securing the venue as well as keep VIPs safe in case violence erupts in the crowd.

Mafnas, for his part, said that the event is getting a lot of positive response from both the government and private sectors. The former lawmaker said Gov. Babauta himself has expressed support for the CNMI Big Nite because it is being provided free for the public.

Ganacias said the venture is also planning to bring an international billiards competition on Saipan. He said they hope to entice world champions Efren “Bata” Reyes and Django Bustamante to visit the island in the near future.

Hong, for his part, continued to invite the community for the July 11 event. He said entertainment would be provided from noon to midnight with the actual amateur fights beginning at 7pm.