Malasiqui: A World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Lightweight Championship bout is set to take place in this town on Jan. 26 as part of its annual fiesta celebrations. The title fight will feature hometown pride Ronerick 'Jackhammer' Ballesteros against challenger Roger 'Assassin' Ocum of Kidapawan City.

According to Philippine News Agency, Malasiqui Mayor Alfe Soriano stated that Ballesteros will be defending his WBC Asia lightweight crown in front of a home crowd. Soriano emphasized that staging the championship match during the town fiesta serves as a fitting tribute to Ballesteros, who has brought honor to Malasiqui and the province after winning the Philippine Youth lightweight title during the 'Thrilla in Manila 2' event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Oct. 29 last year.

Ballesteros, aged 21, remained unbeaten after stopping Cebu's Speedy Boy Acope via fifth-round technical knockout in the aforementioned event, improving his record to seven wins, six by knockout. Coached by his father, Ballesteros began training at age 12 and won a gold medal at the 2018 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Baguio City. The boxer expressed his hopes to help put Malasiqui and Pangasinan on the international boxing map.

Soriano added that several undercard bouts featuring boxers from different parts of the country will precede the main event. Security and traffic management plans are already in place. The championship match will be held at the Arenas Civic Center in Barangay Poblacion, with free admission for the public.