Kelvin ready to make pro debut in Guam

Those in attendance at Trench Wars Fight Night last November got a first-hand look at the raw skills of local boy Kelvin Fitial.

Almost two months have passed since he took the cage in the no-holds barred fight, and in the short time he had, Fitial has been training hard under the guidance of Cuki Alvarez at Trench Tech Purebred Saipan in preparation for his pro debut, which will be tomorrow night in Fury V at the University of Guam Field House.

“I learned a lot about working on the ground, and now I know a little about being on the ground not like before,” Fitial said during an interview with Saipan Tribune Wednesday night. “Cuki and all the boys at Trench Tech have been helping me out on everything. I’m in good shape, I had perfect sparring partners, and I’m confident.”

Fitial, who weighs 205 pounds, faces 19-year-old Frank Manglona of Spike 22 Guam, who enters the bout with a 3-0 record.

“My goal is to promote Trench Tech and we’re working to be at the same level as Guam,” Fitial said.

Fitial will be accompanied by Alvarez and Jason Tarkong, who will serve as his corner men.

“Kelvin has been working hard for a little over a month,” Alvarez said. “I wish it could be more, but we’ll take what we got and let it work. I’m not worried about his stamina because he’s in great shape, it’s only now he’ll be able to handle himself on the ground.”

Fitial lost to Tarkong last November. However, he gave his friend and sparring partner a good fight while standing, landing strong punches that got the crowd on its feet. Tarkong was able to work Fitial to the ground, where he executed a rear naked choke for the win.

“Kelvin knew nothing about ground [fighting], and that’s why he lost,” Alvarez said. “His striking is good and as a fighter, he can only become better. He’s only going to get better, and this will be a very big experience for him.”

Alvarez further stressed that Fitial improving as a grappler will take years and “won’t happen overnight.

“We taught him enough basics to survive the fight. We work mainly on defense,” Alvarez said. “Of course we want to win, but we respect all fighters…we fight to win, not to lose.”

Fitial, Alvarez, and Tarkong were scheduled to leave for Guam this morning and will return Sunday night.

“It’s going to be a good experience. He’s going to have a press conference [today] as well as the weigh in, so he have things to do,” Alvarez said.