Cali to next defend PXC crown in Guam

UNDISPUTED Pacific X-treme Combat (PXC) flyweight champion Ale “The Young Gun” Cali of Davao City will finally get his dream of fighting outside the country when he makes his second title-defense in Guam next year.
“Matutupad na rin ang pangarap ko na lumaban sa labas ng bansa upang maipakita ang ating laban sa ating mga kababayan din doon,” said Cali at the weekly SCOOP of the Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday.
This was also confirmed by Cali's manager Otek Durante who got the call from PXC Chief Executive Officer Joey Calvo the other night.
PXC had wanted to book Cali already for another fight next month.
But Durante wisely requested the organizers to give his prized-ward at least 45 days to rest and prepare for the fight.
“Cali is still recuperating from the bruises he sustained from his previous fight,” Durante said.
Cali, 21, admitted that he was also hurt during his first title-defense against the overconfident Erwin Tagle last Nov. 17 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Cali (5 wins, 1 loss) scored a technical knockout via retirement in the third round after engaging the 34-year old fighter in a very exciting match. He was also hurt on the legs by Tagle's kicking in the opening round. Ali was also able to defend himself from Tagle's kicks by using his arms while landing also his own punches on the challenger.
Tagle swept Ali down on the floor in the last 30 seconds but the unorthodox figher from the Beefit Python's Pit Gym was able to stand up immediately to and a barrel of left-right punches to the face.
In the second round, Ali quickly went for the ground and was on top of Tagle. But Tagle was able to stand up also before Ali again went for an arm lock on the neck before cutting Tagle's left face on a hard drop on the canvas.
Ali ended the second round with another right straight on the bloodied face of Tagle. In the third canto, Tagle tried to engage Ali on the grounds but he was put on bay. Ali bloodied Tagle's mouth with his punches and landed also solid body punches.
After the third round, referee John McCarthy decided to stop the fight after checking out Tagle's condition.
“Hindi ko siya sinabayan sa style niya,” bared Cali, referring on the ground techniques of Tagle.
Cali, who was prepared by his coach Bambi Posadas against the fighting style of Tagle before the fight, however, admitted that he still has to improve more of his grappling techniques especially on the grounds.
Cali, who had once again shown his confidence on the cage, denied that he had no respect for Tagle during their match.
“Eh sa ganun talaga ang style kong lumaban. Kasali yun sa stragegy. Pero totoo rin na medyo na pikon din ako noong sinabi nya sa isang interview na para bang tsamba lang yun panalo ko sa title ko,” said Cali, who wrested the 
title from Jessie Taitano via referee stoppage last Febrary 8, 2012.
Durante said that Ali's dream fight might be held sometime in July since they are still applying for their visa.
They would like to thank the support given to them by Ali's fans including the free accomodation in Manila by the Plana family, Michael Plana, Akbay Party List and Mayor Ben Bautista in Malita Davao del Sur, who feted Ali last week during his visit to his hometown.
Cali has been one of the success stories of MMA in the Philippines. He started off as a boxer at the age of 10 and successfully won boxing gold medals for his city in Davao; 2002 and 2003 in the Mindanao Friendship Games in Cagayan de Oro City and Mati, Davao Oriental, respectively. He also bagged several medals in the Abap National Youth Open Championships.
Cali later transferred to Mixed Martial Arts in 2008 and began trainig in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 
Despite losing in his first match against Salvador Larroza (TKO-punches) in 2009, Cali never slowed down as he won his four succeeding fights to become the PXC's undisputed flyweight champion. 
Cali beat former Philippine Boxing Federation miniflyweight king Philip Parcon via TKO-punches in August 22, 2010), Josh Alvarez by referee stoppage in Aug. 20, 2011 and Dylan Pablo via unanimous decision in Nov. 26, 2011.
LITO DELOS REYES