JONATHAN REFUGIO STUNS RICHARD CLAVERAS TO WIN WBC INTERNATIONAL LT. FLYWEIGHT TITLE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 21 Feb 2016
Despite giving away nearly five inches in height and another five inches in reach, little southpaw Jonathan Refugio from Valencia, Bukidnon used a perfect fight plan to stun defending World Boxing Council International light flyweight champion Richard Claveras at the spacious Taguig Sports Complex before a good crowd on Saturday.
Refugio darted in and out with quick combinations to befuddle Claveras who appeared to depend on his one-punch power to try and score a knockout but failed to connect with any of his big shots as Refugio used his quickness to stay out of range and thwart Claveras who went into the fight with an impressive record of 12 knockouts in 14 wins with only one loss to former world champion Pedro Guevara.
After four rounds under the WBC open scoring system, Refugio led 39-37 on the scorecards of two of the three judges while the third had it even at 38-38.
Refugio whose confidence increased as the fight wore on, took the next four rounds on the scorecards of two of the judges and three-of-the 5th to 8th rounds on the scorecard of a third judge whose identities are not released when the open scoring is announced.
Claveras tried desperately to turn the fight around in the championship rounds as he chased Refugio with occasional combinations anchored on body shots but Refugio stole several rounds with late, counter-punching flurries and occasionally smiled as he nailed Claveras with rapid-fire combinations anchored on an overhand right.
Despite a one point deduction in the 10th round when Claveras suffered a cut just under his left eyebrow following a clash of heads which was initiated by the champion, Refugio had the title in the bag.
When it was over an obviously desolate Claveras and his corner led by trainer Jhun Agrabio and Dr. Rajan Yraola who were frustrated by their fighter?s failure to throw combinations rather than look for a one-punch knockout realized that Claveras was a beaten fighter.
All three judges concurred with Jerrold Tomeldan and Oliver Garcia turning in identical 115-112 tallies and veteran Ferdinand Estrella giving Refugio an even wider 116-112 margin.
Refugio leaped into the arms of his trainer, former Philippine super flyweight champion Joven Jorda when the decision was announced as fight fans who had cheered on the obvious underdog through many of the rounds gave the plucky little fighter a standing ovation.
Dr. Yraola told The Standard that Claveras looked good in training but felt that he had a hard time making the 108 pound limit and suggested to promoter/manager Ryuta Kato that Claveras move up to flyweight.
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