ABANIEL IN CLASSIC DISPLAY
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 19 Nov 2007
Undefeated Gretchen ?Chen Chen? Abaniel put on a classic display of boxing to score a lopsided unanimous ten round decision over rugged and gutsy Thai Lilly Srachaprachagym to win the WBC International women?s minimum weight title before a hugely appreciative crowd at the San Andres Sports Center in Manila, Friday night.
While OPBF light flyweight champion Juanito Rubillar?s smashing fifth round TKO win over Korea?s Beung Joo Lee in his second title defense was an excellent fight, Abaniel stole the show with a performance that had former world champion Oscar Larios and Golden Boy Promotions vice president Eric Gomez marveling at the Filipina?s amazing talent.
Larios speaking through Gomez who acted as interpreter and in fact agreed with Larios said ?if that girl was a man, she would have been a world champion. She has everything. Fighters can learn fromn her.?
Top photo: Gretchen Abaniel raises her hands in victory after defeating Thailand's Lilly Srachaprachagym at the San Andres Gym last Friday.
Abaniel (R) tags Srachaprachagym with a right cross in this bit of action from last Friday's fight at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
Larios whose reputation for being in superb condition for a fight is well known said Abaniel?s conditioning was remarkable as she went after her opponent throwing flurries of punches throughout the fight. Even hardened fight fans applauded over and over again as Abaniel connected with five-six punch combinations in every round.
The 22 year old Abaniel is trained and managed by a former Australian boxer Terrance Mogg who is building a name for himself by his care and concern for the few fighters in his stable including some women boxers aside from Abaniel.
The undefeated Abaniel nailed Lilly with vicious combinations and while the Thai girl appeared to be on the verge of going down on at least four occasions, grimaced, grit her teeth and tried to fight back but Abaniel showing excellent movement got out of trouble in a flash.
With her braided locks and her almost perfect stance, Abaniel?s showing was perhaps an eye-opener for the country?s amateur boxers vying for an berth in the 2008 Olympic Games since she demonstrated the style and the intensity that amateurs need to show in order to succeed.
A former amateur, Abaniel improved to 6-0 with 2 knockouts and received a standing ovation from fight fans and won commendation from the many WBC officials who graced the fight card promoted by Arlene Elorde, wife of Gabriel ?Bebot? Elorde and was one of the best in recent months.
American referee Gene del Bianco deducted a point from Abaniel in the last round for throwing a punch when called to the center of the ring even before the round started although some ringsiders claimed the bell sounded before Abaniel threw a punch and was probably drowned out by the crowd noise.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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