THE MAKING OF A MANOBO KID INTO A FUTURE STAR IN BOXING

By Manny Pinol

The big names in the flyweight division may be the main feature in the Oct. 11 Boxing Revolution II: Clash of the Little Titans in the Almendras Gym in Davao City, but it will certainly be a young Manobo fighter who will be the object of curiosity for the night.

Michael Andip Bravo, 19, a Manobo boxer from Barangay Birada, Kidapawan City, will enter the ring as perhaps the first member of his tribe, found mostly in the North Cotabato, Davao and Bukidnon areas to become a professional fighter.

With a record of 5 wins, 1 loss and 3 KOs, Bravo, who once campaigned as an amateur and was handled for a while by former Manny Pacquiao trainer Rick Staheli in Angeles City, will enter the ring wearing his tribe’s colors.

He will be going up against a Muslim boxer from Saranggani, Saddam Barambangan, who is more experienced and older than Bravo.

It will be Bravo’s first appearance under Sonshine Sports Management which has taken over his career after Rick Staheli agreed to allow him to move down to Mindanao to be near his family.

Jun Cardona and Soc Pinol, who are overseeing the activities and the training of the Sonshine Sports boxers now, describe Bravo as a very hardworking boxer who follows his trainers’ instructions.l

“This boy will go a long way,” said Soc who added that Bravo’s exotic looks will certain capture a lot of attention.

A check with youtube.com showed that Bravo not only boxes well but he could also sing.

On Oct. 11, world champion Rey Loreto, former world champion Edrin Dapudong and world ranked Denver Cuello may be the big names in the card.

But it will certainly be the name Michael Bravo people will be watching out for.