Filipino Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga will face the biggest test in his young pro career this Friday when he battles Thai veteran Wittawas Basapean in the main event of a boxing card to be staged in Beijing, China.

Propping up his attempt to win the WBO international minimum weight title is his friend, manager and fellow Panabo City native, world junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas.

It will be Barriga’s seventh professional fight after making headlines as part of the Philippine boxing team years ago. He won a gold medal in the 2013 SEA Games and a bronze in the 2014 Asian Games.

The 24-year-old has so far remained undefeated in his first six fights and plans to continue his win streak, according to his head trainer Joven Jimenez, who also co-manages him with Ancajas.

“‘Yun na ang pagkakataon ni Mark para ma-prove niya ang galing niya sa pro,” said Jimenez. “Sa main event pa siya.”

Jimenez said Ancajas has been helping Barriga to prepare against Wittawas, who is already an experienced fighter with 33 wins and 6 defeats under his belt.

A victory over Wittawas will elevate Barriga to either No. 1 or No. 2 in the WBO rankings and closer to a WBO minimum weight title shot.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)