University of Iloilo’s (UI) Javen Pareja bested his twin brother Jansen in the men’s kickboxing 57-kilogram finals of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games Visayas Leg here at SM Iloilo on Thursday, Aug. 17.
Setting aside the family love, Javen won via unanimous decision and topped the Army bracket of the tournament organized by Sen. Francis Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Proud po ako sa kanya, maganda po ang naging laban kahit medyo nagkailangan noong una. Kasi nga magkapatid kami. Pero kailangan naming galingan para mabigyan namin ng magandang laban ang mga nanonood,” Javen said.
![Javen (left) and brother twin Jansen Pareja (right) [PSC photo release]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ROTC-PR-PHOTO-Javen-left-and-brother-twin-Jansen-Pareja-right.jpeg)
“Ang mahalaga po nalagpasan namin ng maayos, walang masamang nangyari sa dalawa, at natuto po kaming dalawa,” he added.
In the men’s 63kgs class, Klier Abueva of Bohol Northern Star College beat UI’s Ross Marc Serra for the gold in Army bracket, while Roberto Pedriques of Abuyog Community College (57kgs), James Ayalin of Western Visayas State University (60kgs), and University of Negros Occidental’s Nelson Alcon (63.5kgs) also ruled their respective categories.
Meanwhile in boxing, Army cadet Romeo Calupos downed Rowen Espartero via unanimous decision in the 48-51kgs event.
In Air Force, Klent Brian Pareno faces Renz Louie Puyong (54-57kgs), Love Heart Marino tacklesJenel Castilla (51-54kgs), and Ranie Camangan takes on Russel Edullantes (54-57kgs).
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