Duno earns tough win against Gonzales; Perez loses to Duarte (Photos)
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 18 May 2018
General Santos City?s Romero Duno continued his winning ways in the United States with a hard-earned Unanimous Decision victory against veteran Gilberto Gonzales of Uriangato, Mexico.
The 22 year-old Filipino lightweight improved to 17-1, (14 KOs) after garnering scores of 97-93, 97-93, 98-92 from the three judges at ringside at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, California.
Duno started showing his strength in the 2nd round with a hard right hand that surprised Gonzales. The Mexican went down in the round after an exchange but it was ruled a slip by the referee.
In the 3rd, an accidental clashing of heads opened a cut in the right eye of Gonzales. That became a hindrance for the veteran during the remainder of the fight as he battled swelling and the onslaught of Duno?s punches.
Photos by Jhay Otamias.
Top photo: Romero Duno send Gilberto Gonzales to the canvas in the second round but was ruled a slip by the referee.
A well placed combination by Duno scored for him in the 4th and he continued attacking the head of Gonzales in the 5th which worsened the swelling of his opponent?s right eye.
But that cut and swelling would not easily deter Gonzales - a gritty veteran who once fought and won by knockout with an ACL injury in the ring. Despite the strength of Duno?s punches, he did not retreat against the Filipino fighter and responded with aggression of his own.
Gonzales,30, tested the stamina and composure of the younger Duno and figured in an exciting exchange in Round six. He came forward and poured punches against his opponent in the first half of the round but Duno countered in the last minute and went to the body of Gonzales. Both produced a fan-appreciated round in California and the main event that was carried live by ESPN.
Duno cooled down with his body attack in the 7th as Gonzales boxed and rallied in the round and took advantage of a tiring prospect.
In the 10th, Duno hurt Gonzales with an uppercut to close the show and pocket an important win in his first main event fight in the States.
DUARTE DECISIONS PEREZ
In the undercard of the event is another Filipino fighter - Rey Perez (22-9, 6 KOs) of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte who dropped a ten round Unanimous Decision against young and unbeaten Oscar Duarte (13-0-1, 9 KOs) of Parral, Mexico.
Duarte dominated and downed Perez in the course of their 10 round lightweight contest and earned scores of 98-90, 99-89, 99-89 in the judges? cards.
Duarte drops Perez.
The 22-year old Mexican prospect from Oscar Dela Hoya?s Golden Boy Promotions sent Perez down twice in the eight round. The first knockdown was courtesy of a hard liver shot and the second came from a right to the heard minutes later. Perez stood up from the twin knockdowns to finish the round but remained in survival mode for the rest of the fight.
After a tentative opening round, Duarte started to show strength in the 2nd by attacking Perez early. He lunged in and scored with hooks to the head and the body of his opponent.
Perez, 27, who showed slick evasion skills when he is under attack lacked offense and the inability to counter effectively against a very aggressive Duarte who trapped him multiple times in the ropes.
Duarte improved to 14-0 with the win while Perez lost his 10th career fight and was unable to carry the momentum from his last fight- an upset victory last February against another Golden Boy prospect - Christian Gonzales.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com and @Freemazon910 on Twitter.
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