Current WBA World Light Flyweight Champion, reigning and defending IBF Pan Pacific Light Flyweight Champion and Filipino boxing sensation Randy “Ultra Tune” Petalcorin has carved out a very sterling reputation internationally which seemingly grows courtesy of Petalcorin’s impressive knockout performances which have turned heads with opponents and die-hard fans alike.
The highly skilled and tenacious Pinoy southpaw KO artist – who hails from Davao City, Davao del Sur in The Philippines – has 28 professional career victories, 2 losses and 1 draw in 31 professional boxing fights in his ever-growing successful career.
Over 100 million very proud and patriotic Filipinos domestically – and millions of Pinoy diaspora worldwide – have witnessed their inspiration and national patriot compete in world-class venues such as the divine Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China in an event where Filipino national idol Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao and Bob Arum were present at ringside to watch the dominant Randy Petalcorin.
Randy Petalcorin has defeated Oscar Raknafa as well as defeating fellow Filipino boxing stars Mark Anthony Florida, Arnold Garde and Donny Mabao in previous showdowns which have underscored the hard-hitting and never-say-die attitude of the Filipino’s dominance and spirit in the sport.
FOX Sports 96.9 FM/1340 AM’s Dean Perretta caught up with current WBA World Light Flyweight Champion, reigning and defending IBF Pan Pacific Light Flyweight Champion and Pinoy boxing star Randy “Ultra Tune” Petalcorin to discuss growing up in The Philippines, performing inside the world-class Mercedes-Benz Arena in China, Pinoy Pride, Randy Petalcorin’s favorite Filipino Professional Boxers, the biggest obstacles which Petalcorin has had to overcome and much, much more only on FOX Sports 96.9 FM/1340 AM.
Q: Without any further, a do Randy, how was life for you raised in Davao City, Davao del Sur and of course when did Professional Boxing essentially capture your imagination during that particular timeframe of your life growing up?
Randy Petalcorin: Hello Sir Dean, I had my first amateur boxing fight at 9 years old. I had 110 amateur bouts and won 100 amateur bouts. I had a chance to go to the Olympics but turned it down to turn professional at age 17 years old, but growing up boxing has always been my life.
I met Peter Maniatis when I fought at the start of 2010 on the Brian Viloria world title fight event in 2010 in Manila and Peter (Maniatis) and JC Boy Mananquil have helped my career so much since then.
Q: Having professionally competed in world-class venues such as the divine Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China, what did it ultimately mean for you knowing that Filipino national idol and Pinoy hero Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao was in attendance to support you during your big fight night showdown in China?
Randy Petalcorin: My Best win was for the WBA World Title in 2014 against Walter Tello from Panama because (Walter) Tello had fought for three world titles and he had far more experience than me at the World Championship level, but to knockout Tello in 7 rounds and win the WBA World title in front of 20,000 people, 180 million on live TV in China, including Bob Arum and Manny Pacquaio, Freddie Roach watching was a dream come true for me in Shanghai on a Top Rank-promoted card.
I have to thank Peter Maniatis and Sean Gibbons and Sanman Gym and JC Boy Manaquiul for making it happen and it was a dream come true winning a World title with Senator Manny Pacquiao in our corner.
Q: Pinoy pride unquestionably amplifies to unprecedented heights throughout The Philippines and in the hearts and minds of millions of likewise ultranationalist Filipino diaspora around the world whenever you enter the ring to compete. With that being said, what does it mean for you personally being a Filipino Professional Athlete?
Randy Petalcorin: l am very proud of being a Filipino, but since 2013 I have also been fighting in Australia under Peter Maniatis Events, so I have a connection to Australia as well now. I have so many friends in Melbourne, Australia. It’s my second home and look forward to keep fighting in Australia.
Sir Sean (Buckley) has been my friend and sponsor before I become a World Champion. Sean and Peter Maniatis make it possible I can fight in Australia. Also recently, I filmed a commercial with one of my idols, Mike Tyson.
Q: Which particular Filipino Professional Boxers did you admire most growing up and why?
Randy Petalcorin: My idol was Gerry Penalosa and Manny Pacquiao, who were both very smart great fighters. I was in a training camp with Manny (Pacquiao) before the Shane Mosley fight and learned so much watching Sir Manny (Pacquiao) train. Also, Gerry Penalosa was so smart and brave as a boxer. I used to study both Senator Manny (Pacquiao) and Sir Gerry (Penalosa).
Q: Before we leave Randy, the legendary Filipino spirit and resiliency is well-documented. What have been the greatest challenges which you have successfully overcome not only in your prolific professional boxing career but in life in general?
Randy Petalcorin: l have a young family. My son is one year old and my wife and he mean the world to me. I want to make my son is secure in life and boxing is my job. I told Peter (Maniatis), whoever he puts in front of me, I do not question. I just want to fight!
l live in General Santos city. The daily salary is very small here, so people here work very hard to support their family. After winning my WBA World title fight, I was lucky to buy a place to live for my family…and motorbikes. Thank you, Sir Dean for your time.
