Prospects Sampan, Santisima, Cañete featured in Gen. Santos show

PROMISING unbeaten prospects Ian Sampan, Alex Santisima Jr. and Benny Cañete will be showcased in the undercard of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental and World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Continental bantamweight championship bout between former interim world champion Reymart Gaballo and Ricardo Sueno on Oct. 29 at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City.

The 21-year-old Sampan faces his stiffest test to date against veteran Joe Tejones in his first 10-rounder.

Sampan slowly been proving everyone that he’s one of the future stars in the country. This year, he beat two experienced fighters in Rey Ramos and Pablito Canada.

Tejones is a gatekeeper that test young up-and-coming fighters if they are ready for the next level.

Sampan is 6-0 with five knockouts, while Tejones is 13-11 with seven knockouts.

Santisima Jr. slugs it out with fellow former ALA boxer Jess Rhey Waminal in an eight-rounder.

The 22-year-old Santisima Jr. is the younger brother of former world title challenger Jeo Santisima. He’s so far been impressive winning all three of his fights this year.

Waminal, a former regional champion, is looking to end his three-fight losing slump with a win over Santisima Jr.

Santisima Jr. is 4-0 with two knockouts, while Waminal is 14-6-1 with eight knockouts.

Cañete trades leathers with Jovanie Tagusi in an eight-round bout.

Cañete, who fights out of the Omega Boxing Gym in Cebu, won both of his fights this year, while Tagusi is looking to end a four-fight skid.

Cañete is 6-0 with five knockouts, while Tagusi is 6-6-2 with three knockouts.

Also in the undercard, former world title challenger Froilan Saludar (32-6-1, 22 KOs) locks horns with Crison Omayao (24-26-5, 8 KOs); Judy Flores (10-1, 6 KOs) faces off with Michael Camelion (11-18-3, 9 KOs); Kenneth Egano (4-1, 2 KOs) is up against Jelo Bacalso (1-2-1, 1 KO); Joshua Belicena (1-1, 1 KO) is fighting Rustom Sario (1-0), Ricky Cristobal is tested against battle-scarred veteran Rocky Sardido (8-27-5, 3 KOs); Nelbert Gaballo (2-0, 1 KO) squares off with Yoben Limentillo (2-6, 1 KO); Aussie prospect Tyler Blizzard (2-0) takes on Nicardo Calamba (9-36-5, 6 KOs); and Donato Jordan (0-1) faces John Paul Deaga in the show’s curtain-raiser.