DAVAO CITY — Philippine lightweight champion Roldan “The Cobra” Aldea of Negros Occidental will defend his title against Monico “Mekaniko” Laurente of Agusan del Sur on February 1 at The Flash Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque City.
It will be the second title defense by Aldea, who first defended it against Nathan Bolcio of Benguet via a 1st round knockout last May 4, 2019 in Parañaque.
Aldea then won against Mikhail Alexeev of Russia in an 8th round knockout last July 13 in RCC Boxing Academy in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
Aldea, however, finally lost to Ravshanbek Umurzakov of Russia by a unanimous decision last September 7 in Ekaterinburg.
The 25-year-old Aldea has 14 wins with eight knockouts against eight losses and one draw. Laurente (30W-16L-0D, 7KO) lost all three fights in abroad last year.
The 34-year -old veteran first suffered a TKO against Xiangxiang Sun of China in the 7th round for the IBF Asia lightweight title last March 28 in Beijing, China.
He then lost to Kazuki Saito of Japan by a unanimous decision last July 9 in Korakuen Hall, Japan.
Laurente lost again in Japan with a unanimous decision to Kazuhiro Nishitani last December 17 in Kobe.
The promoter is Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. of Elorde International Productions. (PNA)