Ronald Johnson, Aries Buenavidez, Joe Tejones Claim GBO Titles in Thrilla in Davao
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Jun 2019
DAVAO CITY -- American heavyweight Ronald Johnson, as well as Filipinos Aries Buenavidez and Joe Tejones scored twelve-round wins by points to claim GBO (Global Boxing Organization) straps Saturday, June 15, at The Enderun Tent Azuela Cove, Barangay Lanang here in the beautiful City of Davao City in Mindanao, southern Philippines.
In the main event, former WBC United States (USNBC) champion Ronald "The American Dream" Johnson (16-1, 4 KO's) of Las Vegas, Nevada, twice dropped and completely dominated veteran "Phoenix Assassin" Saul Farah (69-24-3, 60 KO's) of Bolivia to capture the vacant GBO Heavyweight belt.
Saul Farah listens the count of referee Danrex Tapdasan during his 2nd knock down in round one.
Johnson displayed superior speed and skill over the brave, though slower and less-refined Saul Farah, with the American marking a successful return to action after a two-year hiatus. Right after being belted, the 33-year-old American assured fans in Davao that he is ready for more challenging missions.
GAB Chairman Baham Mitra belting American Ronald Johnson Saturday night in Davao.
"The American Dream" is trained by veteran Puerto Rican coach Manny Hernandez. The third man for the Johnson-Farah fight was Danrex Tapdasan.
Aries Buenavidez drives Roy Nagulman to his first career lose Saturday evening in Davao.
In the co-feature, Davao come-forward gladiator Aries Buenavidez (14-3, 7 KO's) shocked, knocked down and decisioned taller, younger Ifugao-native Roy Nagulman (8-1, 6 KO's) over twelve entertaining chapters to conquer the GBO Bantamweight Strap.
The fast 17-year-old Nagulman -- assisted in his corner my his coach Abel Martin -- showed heart and a warrior spirit getting up from a rough early visit to the canvas to complete the twelve rounds distance, but tonight was Buenavidez' night.
Buenavidez, 23, won fight and belt as his attacks carried more power, staggering Nagulman, inflicting more damage. Buenavidez victory was a unanimous decision.
MORE RESULTS FROM THRILLA IN DAVAO, PHILIPPINES
Joe Tejones wins by points over then unbeaten KJ Natuplag.
In another twelve-rounder, Bukidnon southpaw Joe Tejones (13-6, 7 KO's) edged a split decision win over young and talented KJ Natuplag (8-1-2, 7 KO's) of Lagawe, Ifugao to capture GBO title.
The battle was an exciting twelve-chapter duel that satisfied guests in attendance, and given the chance, the two 22-year-old boxers might want to do it again.
Moreover, experienced Orlie Silvestre (14-5-1, 8 KO's ) of Isulan City, the capital of the Kapuoran sang Sultan Kudarat, defeated less-skilled 18-year-old Jenuel Lauza (5-7, 5 KO's) of San Pablo, Laguna, for an eight-rounder unanimous decision triumph.
Orlie Silvestre, 25, a man who has rumbled in Thailand and Japan, feels ready for more wars in foreign battlefields or anywhere.
In another result, dangerous Gensan 112-pound gladiator Reymark Ibones (3-0-1, 1 KO) won a majority decision over more-experienced Royder Lloyd Borbon (5-7-1, 5 KO's) of Sultan Kurarat. The two 23-year-old men battled it out over six chapters, with Ibones coming on top.
The first bout of the show featured, fast 'n furious light flyweight Gabriel Dasan (4-2-1, 2 KO's) and the equally tough Nilo Entero (0-1, 0 KO's) battling it out to a split draw.
Gabriel Dasan and debutant Nilo Entero battled it out to a Draw.
Entero, wearing yellow trunks, suffered a cut over his left eyebrow from a no-intentional headbutt and the GAB doctor recommended to the referee that the skirmish should be stopped to protect the young boxer's eye. The scorecards reflected a split draw. It was Entero's first pro fight and it was a tough affair.
"Thrilla in Davao," included a fashion show from Davao award-winning designer Wilson Limon.
GAB Officials during June 15 boxing show in Davao.
In attendance during the high-class event were American former two-division world champion Layla McCarter, GAB Chairman Baham Mitra, Senator-elect Bong Go, GBO Chairman & CEO Fred Lumba, as well as GAB Commissioners Eduard Trinidad and Mar Masanguid.
GAB Davao officials Datu Fahd Yasser A. Sinsuat and John Kenneth Improso were hands-on throughout the long fighting event that ended Sunday early morning at 1 am.
The GBO triple-header Saturday, June 15, at The Enderun Tent, Azuela Cove in Lanang, Davao, was a production of boxing promoter Reynaldo Rodis in association with the City Government of Davao.
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber/wechat: +639184538152.
More photos to follow...
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
World Ranked Heavyweight Dainier Pero Headlines on Saturday, January 17th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Wed, 07 Jan 2026Jahyae Brown to Battle Arnold Gonzalez in Exciting Co-Feature on Thursday, January 15th at The War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey
Wed, 07 Jan 2026Hendri Cedeno Seeks Monumental Victory Against Alfredo Santiago for NABO Title January 10 at Barclays Center
Tue, 06 Jan 2026Kingsley Ibeh learned from his Loss 5 years ago to Jared Anderson
Tue, 06 Jan 2026Unified World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez returning to Corpus Christi…as a promoter!
Tue, 06 Jan 2026Ocum to fight Ballesteros on January 26
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 05 Jan 2026SEA Plus Youth Games - Tolentino
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 05 Jan 202687th Kalilangan Chess Festival Featuring Manny Pacquiao International Open to Push Through
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 05 Jan 2026Deniega to fight Oka in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 02 Jan 2026Illness forces Paddy Donovan to withdraw from IBF Welterweight World Eliminator January 16 versus Liam Paro in Australia
Fri, 02 Jan 2026Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th
Thu, 01 Jan 2026Lover Boy on hot streak
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 31 Dec 2025Silvano fights Gurung on January 13 in Hong Kong
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 31 Dec 2025GM Laylo faces tough competition in Caloocan rapid chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 31 Dec 2025GOLDEN BOY DELIVERS A LOADED UNDERCARD OF STAR PROSPECTS FOR ROCHA VS. CURIEL II
Wed, 31 Dec 2025