
Zulueta captures ABF crown on split decision
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 02 Jul 2018

BACOLOD CITY -- Calatrava-native John Michael Zulueta is the new Asian Boxing Federation minimumweight champion after a split decision victory over Cris Ganoza of Cebu during the Highland ? Guanzon Boxing Promotion?s Bakbakan held over the weekend at the Gaisano City Mall in Bacolod City.
Judges Henry Cestina and Gedione Nietes favored Zulueta: 99-91 and 97-93, respectively while Carlos Costa has a close 96-94 for Ganoza.
With the win, Zulueta remained undefeated with 8 wins and pair of draws including 3 knockouts 8 stoppages.
Meanwhile, Bago City-pride Joepher Monta?o pounded solid punches against Danilo Pe?a ? forcing him to retire before the the 7th round of the scheduled 8 rounds at 140 lbs. the win also improved Monta?o?s record to 8 wins, pair of draws and losses with 7 KOs.
In the other undercard, Murcia?s Ernesto Alera dominated Bayawan City?s Marlou Sandoval by unanimous decision as judge Frank Alojado scoring 59-55 while Cestina and Nietes have it 58-56 each.
These professional bouts were sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board headed by Chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra.
Meanwhile, for the Mayor Bing Leonardia Boxing Development Program results are: 22 kgs ? Reniel Bantillo of Granada defeated AJ Daclan of Singcang; 26 kgs ? Russel Caciano of Bata ruled over Carl Jon Sornido of Singcang while Benidict Esmolo of Singcang defeated Rommel Bantillo of Granada; 29 kgs ? Kynrich Monteclaro of Bata defeated Michael Salosada of Brgy. 39; 37 kgs ? Jonas Tobongbanua stopped Reymark Calago of Granada in 1 minute and 5 seconds of the 2nd round; 44 kgs ? James Marter and Joselito Jabillana of Brgy. 39 scored unanimous decision win over Jericho Villarias and Jay Barredo of Singcang, respectively; 45 kgs ? Julius Salbibia of Murcia won over Cauayan?s Mark Joseph Gelasing; 48 kgs ? Jerson dela Cruz dominated Marlon Alejandro of Cauayan; 51 kgs ? Rafael Ferrer of Granada knocked Francis Laminez in 1 minute and 5 seconds of the opening round as Cauayan?s Niko Quiocson stopped Ricky delos Santos of Handumanan in 58 seconds of the 2nd roound while Joshua Belizena of Brgy. 39 halts Jonel Francisco of Murcia; 52 kgs ? Handumanan?s Rodel Sioco and Jonel Alit defeated Radjie Escalona of Murcia and Joemarie Lacio of Cauayan, respectively; and Tamtam dela Cruz of Murcia triumphed over Randy Tanodra of Brgy. 39 in the 61 kgs.
This grassroots tournament is spearheaded by the Bacolod Amateur Boxing Association under former GAB chair Monju Guanzon.
Photo: Newly-crowned ABF minimumweight champion John Michael Zulueta (center) poses with (from left) international referee Dan Nietes, ABF President Naris Singwancha, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and GAB Commissioners Eduard Trinidad. (Jerome Galunan Jr. Photo).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jerome S. Galunan Jr..
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