LADON SCORES SENSATIONAL UPSET BEATING NO. 1 SEED AND TWO-TIME PAN-AM GAMES CHAMPION JOSELITO VELASQUEZ ALTMIRANO
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 08 Oct 2015
Ladon wins.
With his idol eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao at a seat of honor at ringside, light flyweight Rogen Ladon scored a sensational upset by beating Mexico?s No. 1 seed and two-tine Pan American Games champion Joselito Velasquez Altamirano in the opening bout of yesterday?s World Boxing Championships in Doha, Qatar.
Pacquiao nattily dressed in a dark blue suit and a light blue shirt was the center of attraction as he walked into the venue with AIBA president Dr. Wu and shortly after he sat down a string of dignitaries and AIBA officials walked over to greet Manny and pose for photographs.
As the fight went on the TV cameras often cut to Pacquiao who followed the action intently.
Ladon started aggressively using quick one-two combinations and darting in and out with referee Mykola Karakulov cautions Altamirano for using his head and a low blow but Altamirano nails Ladon with a good left while Ladon continued to use his left hand effectively while Altamirano tries to work to the body but not very successfully.
Another good combination and a right by Ladon ends round one as Pacquiao looked very intently at the action.
Pacquiao (C) pose with AIBA dignitaries.
Fighting out of the blue corner the Filipino southpaw caught Altamirano with another good one-two combination was staggered backwards.
With 1:50 remaining in the second round Ladon clipped the Mexican on the side of the head followed by another one-two combination followed by a great right hand and the Mexican is penalized a point for using his head.
The quickness of Ladon was clear as the second round ended as Altamirano is cautioned for once again using his head.
The Mexican corner looked worried while Pacquiao was all smiles as he saw Ladon perform exceptionally well and was not awed by the reputation of Altamirano who out-boxed the Mexican and then ripped him with an excellent one-two combination with Altamirano getting increasingly desperate as Ladon moves well and throws a counter-left as Altamirano comes charging in.
The Filipino appeared to be home free with about 50 seconds remaining as he darted in and out and moved well in the dying seconds of the round.
We thought Ladon won handily because of his cleaner punches and some solid counter-punches.
As the referee raised the hand of Ladon, Pacquiao was all smiles and applauded a superb performance by his countryman who followed up his impressive opening day win over highly favored Argentine Leonard Blanc.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
PERO AND THOMPSON GO HEAD-TO-HEAD AHEAD OF ORLANDO HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH – LIVE ON DAZN
Thu, 30 Oct 20254 Strategic Skills Boxers Can Learn from Online Poker
Thu, 30 Oct 2025Yoelvis Gomez Focused and Ready for Unbeaten Test Against Antraveous Ingram on DAZN
Thu, 30 Oct 2025Spectacular start to the NBA season
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 30 Oct 2025GM Joey bounces back into contention
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 30 Oct 2025JERUSALEM DEFEATS KUSE BY UD, RETAINS WBC CROWN; MARCIAL WINS
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 30 Oct 2025Weigh-In Results: Mary Spencer vs. Mikaela Mayer
Thu, 30 Oct 2025Tapales KOs Toro in the 6th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 30 Oct 2025Magramo keeps WBC International light fly title
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 30 Oct 2025Bacosa wins in Thrilla in Manila 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 29 Oct 2025Llover Saves Pinoy Stint in Bishkek; Kayoes Tall Argentine to Stay Unbeaten
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 29 Oct 2025Alex Sarr makes Wizards history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 29 Oct 2025Unbeaten and undefiled
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 29 Oct 2025Press Conference Notes: Mary Spencer & Mikaela Mayer Battle for Three Super Welterweight World Titles
Wed, 29 Oct 2025Casimero Needs Professional Team to Set A-right His Flagging Boxing Career
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 29 Oct 2025