TIBAY NG PINOY X: Libranza outpoints Rodriguez
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 08 Sep 2015
GENESIS Libranza of MP Davao Stable remained undefeated in his 8th outing after scoring a hard-earned unanimous decision win over veteran Michael ?Matibay? Rodriguez in the main event of the Tibay ng Pinoy X: Bakbakan sa Labangal held Sunday at Barangay Labangal Gym in General Santos City.
The 21-year old Libranza admitted he already started losing steam in the 8th round of his first 10-rounder bout.
?May natutunan din ako sa unang 10-round ko na umabot pa talaga ng 10 rounds din,? said Libranza, who posted his 8th straight win against no loss or draw.
Libranza, who got tired after the 6th round, had earlier wanted to score a knockout.
But Rodriguez proved to be a tough nut to crack as he fought toe to toe against the much-taller Libranza.
?Matibay din talaga siya dahil ilang beses ko na siyang tinamaan ng solid pero hindi pa rin natumba,? said the native of Bayugan, Agusan del Sur.
Judges Brembot Dulalas and Sabas Ponpon Jr. both scored it 97-93 while retired boxing official-turned-judge Jimmy Mata saw it 96-94 all in favor of Libranza.
Libranza survived an accidental low blow in the 9th round which was not seen by referee Ronnie Mondejar.
But despite that he was still able to connect two jabs. Rodriguez, a former Luzon Professional Boxing Association (Luzproba) light flyweight champion also landed his short punches and overhands earlier in the 7th and 8th rounds.
?It was really a good test for Libranza,? said MP Davao Stable chief trainer Raides ?Nonoy? Neri.
Libranza has scored five knockouts, three of them in his last outings and previously against Rodel Tejares in the second round last May 30 at the Lagao Gym in Gensan.
The 5-foot-5 orthodox fighter also stopped Romulo Ramayan Jr. by a 6th round technical knockout last April 6 in Panabo City after he TKO?d Charlie Cabilla in the 2nd round last Nov. 8 at the Almendras gym.
Libranza?s other KO victims were Jessie Suacasa (2nd round retirement) and Paulo Perono (3rd KO).
Rodriguez stopped Elbert Guardario in the 4th round to win the vacant Luzproba title on Oct. 11, 2010 in Imus, Cavite.
Rodriguez, a native of General Santos City, also fought but lost to Randy Petalcorin for the interim PABA light flyweight crown last Aug. 6, 2012 in Mandaue City.
Rodriguez, who was born in General Santos City, settled a majority draw with Lionel Mark Duran in their title-fight for the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) flyweight crown last Dec. 22, 2012 in La Trinidad.
Rodriguez bowed to Wisanu Kokietgym by a unanimous decision in their 12-round title-fight for the PABA light flyweight crown held March 31, 2011 in Thailand.
He also dropped a unanimous decision to Tepparith Kokietgym in their PABA flyweight championship bout held Feb. 13, 2013 also in Krabi, Thailand.
The Tibay ng Pinoy X: Bakbakan sa Labangal was presented by Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao together with Labangal Barangay Captain Lorelie Pacquiao, former world-rated Bobby Pacquiao and the Joven Sports Promotion of Joven Jimenez. ? LITO DELOS REYES
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