BREAKING NEWS: SANTILLAN REGAINS OPBF CROWN WITH TKO WIN!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 14 Jul 2007
Rev 'Gentle Giant' Santillan regained the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) welter title with a one-punch technical knockout victory a few minutes ago in the sixth round over defending champion Taesei Marumoto at the Archaic Hall in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.
Santillan's manager Rex 'Wakee' Salud, reporting from ringside, told this writer that it was a one-punch knockout victory that saw Santillan unleashing a big left on his opponent, who fell like a fallen log after the blow. Marumoto tried to get up after the knockdown, but was on rubbery legs as referee Brad Vocale saw him unfit to continue.
"All three judges had it 49-45 at the end of the fifth round in favor of the Japanese champ. Santillan's power saved the day," reported Salud a few minutes ago.
With the win, Santillan improves to 24 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, 17 KO's and should put him back into the WBC ratings.
Respected international referee Bruce McTavish, when informed of the news of Santillan's victory, was ecstatic saying he loves Santillan for being such a nice kid and a good example to boxing.
"I have refereed Santillan a lot of times, and he is such a nice, nice kid. I just love hearing of that news on his victory," McTavish stated.
The New Zealand-raised referee is leaving tomorrow to judge the Pongsaklek Wongjongkam-Daisuke Naito showdown, but still rued the fact that he was not allowed to officiate a local card in Tagbilaran City a few days ago.
"I mean, I talked to Chairman Eric Buhain and boxing chief Nasser Cruz. They told me all the GAB Cebu people could have done was call them. It was so embarrassing," McTavish rued.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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