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:
IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 25 Feb 2026