RUENROENG DERAILS THE SHIMING EXPRESS
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 08 Mar 2015
MACAU- The hometown crowd went home disappointed Saturday night. China?s Olympic hero Zou Shiming faltered in his bid to win a world title against IBF flyweight champ Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand, who got off the canvas in the second round and outhustled Zou the rest of the way.
The complexion of the fight was not exactly a surprise for boxing aficionados who were familiar with the styles of both boxers. It started as a waiting game; except for the early flash knockdown credited to Shiming, it was a probing and clutching affair. But this style of fighting was to the advantage of Ruenroeng. There were also enough extracurricular activities to keep referee Mark Nelson busy.
They were already familiar with the other?s strengths and weaknesses having fought as amateurs.
In the end, it was the Thai?s ability to keep a safe distance then flick a couple shots before evading or grabbing that neutralized Shiming?s speed and enabled Amnat to keep his title. A lot of spectators inside Cotai Arena were already looking for the exits when the scores were announced ? Glenn Feldman, Robert Hoyle and Jerome Jakubco all had it 116-111.
Shiming was fast tracked to a world title fight and is the cornerstone of Macau?s boxing boom. The 33 year old suffered his first pro loss in seven bouts. The 35 year old Amnat is now 15-0, 5 KO?s.
PINOY TRAINERS
An interesting sidelight to this contest were the Filipino cornermen on both sides. On Ruenroeng?s corner is chief trainer Frank Jaro and his brother, well-known promoter and boxing manager Aljoe Jaro, who also dabbles as coach. They were tapped by Amnat?s Thai promoter/manager Ekarat Jimmy Chaichotchuang.
They had the rare opportunity and honor to match wits with legendary trainer Freddie Roach, who was assisted by a Filipino, Marvin Somodio.
Before the fight, Aljoe Jaro said that they would not run but somehow they had to change plans as the bout progressed.Jaro said they figured it out after the second canto. Thai Sirichit Punthipayanon served as nutrition and conditioning adviser for Ruenroeng.
BEST FIGHT
The fight of the night belonged to Rex Tso WUD 10 Michael Enriquez for the WBA International super flyweight title. It was a back and forth close quarter combat with the knockdown scored by the Hong Kong boxer in the 4th round that spelled the difference. The scores were ? Salven Lagumbay ? 95-94, Glenn Feldman ? 95-94, Robert Hoyle ? 96-93.
The Filipino Enriquez performed beyond expectations and got well deserved applause.
The lone Filipino to win on the undercards was Aston Palicte, who had too much power against a game Ismael Garnica of Mexico. Palicte?s 7th round TKO win could lead to more overseas appearances.
The third Pinoy on the undercard, Raymond Sermona was stopped in the opening round by Mexican Jose Felix,Jr.
Big fight cards here in Macau and the rest of China will continue. Top Rank will have another event here in July. Shiming vowed to bounce back and take his first loss as a learning experience.
Roach will be returning to L.A. to prepare Manny Pacquiao for the much-anticipated showdown against Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on May 2.
Ruenroeng on the other hand will be facing the challenge of Filipino Johnriel Casimero in the next few months.
The bouts were sanctioned by the Professional Boxing Commission (PBC) of China. Together with the supervising officials of the WBA, IBF and WBO, it was a smooth show.
Very special thanks to the medical staff of the Taivexmalo Day Hospital of the Venetian Macau for their assistance in this fight card.
PHOTOS ? Top - Frank and Aljoe Jaro with IBF flyweight champ Amnat Ruenroeng, photos courtesy of Aljoe Jaro
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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