Undefeated world-rated flyweight Dave “Doberman” Apolinario could find himself vying for a world title as early as June.
Coming off a dramatic knockout of Tanes Ongjunta of Thailand late last month in Tokyo, Apolinario might end up battling for the soon-to-be-vacated International Boxing Federation (IBF) crown being held by Jesse Rodriguez of the United States.
The two leading contenders on the IBF 112-lb list are Angel Ayala of Mexico and Apolinario, who hails from Maasim, Sarangani.
Businessman-sportsman Mike Pelayo, who manages Apolinario alongside multi-titled promoter JC Mananquil, told DAILY TRIBUNE that the Filipino puncher is ripe for a shot at the crown.
“This fight could be held in Japan,” Pelayo said, noting that Apolinario is under the powerful Ohashi Promotions, the outfit that also represents undisputed world super-bantamweight king Naoya Inoue.
He showed grace under pressure when he brawled with the game and gutsy Ongjunta at the Korakuen Hall, picking himself up from a stunning knockdown before flooring the Thai for the knockout win.
Apolinario, 25, packs a 20-0 win-loss card with 14 knockouts while Ayala, 23, is also unbeaten with a 17-0 mark with ten knockouts.
