Gabunilas is on a hot streak, winning six straight fights, three in 2022. He kicked off the year with an impressive first-round knockout of Clyde Azarcon, followed by a lopsided unanimous decision over Ricardo Sueno and then an eighth round stoppage of Ruben Davidas.
Espinas, who was once a top-rated 108-pounder, is currently in a rough patch in his career, losing three of his last four fights.
After a three-year hitaus due to the Covid-19, the 30-year-old Espinas lost to Esneth Domingo by a close unanimous decision on Feb. 26, 2022 in General Santos City.
Espinas owns wins over the likes of former world champion Denver Cuello, world-rated Joey Canoy, veteran Lito Dante and Thai Pai Pharob. He also fought but lost to the likes of highly-rated Mark Vicelles, Christian Araneta and Edward Heno.
Gabunilas is 8-1 with six knockouts, while Espinas is 20-5 with 11 knockouts.
In the main supporting bout, undefeated up-and-comer BJ Wild locks horns with experienced former regional champion Jess Rhey Waminal.
The 21-year-old Wild is looking for a huge win after a split draw with Carlo Demecillo in his last fight. It was Wild’s toughest fight to date. He’ll be in for another tough fight against Waminal.
Meanwhile, Waminal is hungry for a win after losing his last four contests. He’s fought thrice this year and lost to Jon Jon Estrada by a fourth round knockout, Ryo Nakai by unanimous decision and Alex Santisima Jr. by split decision.
Wild is 9-0-1 with six knockouts, while Waminal, a former ALA Boy, is 14-7-1 with eight knockouts.
In the undercard, battle-scarred veteran Rodel Wenceslao (18-19-2, 8 KOs) faces off with former regional youth champion Argie Toquero (13-5-3, 10 KOs); Brix Piala (5-1, 2 KOs) slugs it out with journeyman Ryan Rey Ponteras (23-17-3, 12 KOs); April Jay Abne (11-1, 5 KOs) squares off with former world title challenger Richard Claveras (19-10-2, 16 KOs); Rodex Piala (6-0, 1 KO) exchanges blows with Ponciano Rimandiman (10-6-1, 5 KOs); Ramil Macado (4-0, 2 KOs) is up against Ramel Antaran (5-19-2); Ian Abne (7-0-1, 4 KOs) is fighting Ronald Alapormina (5-4-3, 2 KOs); and Yeroge Gura (5-0, 2 KOs) clashes with Arnold Garde (10-13-4, 4 KOs).