LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Highland Boxing and Pinoy Boxing Prodigy’s Genisis Libranza will gun for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) International junior bantamweight belt on Aug. 20 in East London, South Africa.
Despite losing the Philippine flyweight crown in his last outing in March, Libranza is optimistic he will score an upset against his unbeaten African opponent Phumelele Cafu.
“I’m read,” said Libranza during sparring session at the Highland Boxing Gym here Friday.
Aside from eyeing the title, Libranza hopes to avenge his loss in Africa where he got decked by Moruti Mthalane for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight world title in April 28, 2017 that saw his 11-fight winning streak come to a halt.
And it needs to be an impressive victory, according to Libranza, as he will be gunning for a knockout.
Some Filipino boxers have lost via split decision due to hometown advantage in foreign soil.
“We have been preparing for this and we see he has no advantage over us,” said Libranza, who totes a 20-2 win-loss record with 12 wins coming by way of knockout.
Cafu, meanwhile, is going for his 12th fight and has won eight of his fights, seven of which via knockout. He has no loss but has three draws in his previous 11 fights.
The South African last saw action in December 2022.
Libranza wrapped up his training camp in the capital town last week after completing more than 100 rounds of sparring.
“Mas maganda ‘yung ipapakita kong laban ngayon kasi mas matagal ‘yung paghahanda ko,” said the Mindanao native.
Aside from his experience, Libranza said he will surprise the African fighter with his combinations that they have been mastering since he started training two months ago. – Press release
