Dave Apolinario dedicates IBO title win to late mother

Filipino boxer Dave Apolinario is dedicating his IBO flyweight title win to his late mother.

In an interview with “Unang Balita” on Thursday, Apolinario said it was also his mom's dream for him to become a world champion.

"Thirteen, 14 years old pa lang po ako, amateur pa ako, sinasabihan po ako ng nanay ko na sana mag-professional ka at world champion," said Apolinario, who grew up with siblings who were also into boxing.

[When I was 13 or 14 years old, I was still an amateur, my mom would tell me that she wants me to become a professional and world champion.]

"Hanggang nakatungtong ako ng 10 rounds, nag-champion po ako ng Asia Pacific. Bago siya nawala, 'yung last fight ko sa GenSan, sabi niya ipagpatuloy ko ang boxing para makamit ang pangarap kong world champion at pangarap niya," he added.

[Until I reached 10-round fights and became an Asia Pacific champion. Before she passed away, during my last fight in General Santos, she told me to continue boxing so I can become a world champion which was our dream.]

And on July 30, Apolinario knocked out opponent Gideon Buthelezi and fulfilled his dream of getting a world title.

The Filipino boxer said knocking out the opponent was in his plans.

"'Yung kalaban na isang 3x world champion, ako 23 years old pa po ako. Kailangan talaga mapabagsak kasi sabi nila, 'pag dumayo ka raw doon, 'pag 'di napabagsak, aabot ng round, tatalunin daw din tayo sa decision," he shared.

[The opponent was a 3-time world champion, I'm just 23 years old. I need to knock him out because they said that if I went there, if I did not knock him out, it would go to the rounds, I could lose by decision.]

Apolinario also has a message to those who also wish to become a successful boxer.

"Sana magsikap kayo mag-training para maabot n'yo rin ang pangarap n'yo at mag-world champion kayo."

[Give your best in training to reach your dreams of becoming a world champion.]

Apolinario holds a 17-0 record with 12 knockouts. – RC, GMA News