Vicelles Decisions Espinas to capture WBA Asia Belt
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 07 Jul 2019
LILOAN, Cebu ? In a very close, exciting clash, unbeaten Filipino Mark Vicelles (11-0, 5 KO's) of Cebu's Omega Boxing Gym edged more experienced compatriot Jesse Espinas (19-4, 11 KO's) via majority decision to claim the WBA ASIA SOUTH Light Flyweight title Saturday night (July 6) here in Liloan, Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines ☀️
Vicelles was effective winning chapters in the battle's first half, landing good with his right jab, and sharp combinations while the tough, relentless Espinas dominated rounds in the second part.
The tenth and final round couldn't have been more close as the two men traded furiously till the last bell.
Vicelles's more efficient action during the final seconds of the last stanza, seemed to give him the round and secure him a razor-thin win by points.
Mark Vicelles (L) and Jesse Espinas keep the fight close throughout Saturday night's contest in Liloan, Cebu.
Despite several non-intentional headbutts due to the inverted guard of the combatants, nobody got cut, nobody visited the canvas, and no fouls were committed in a very competitive 10-rounder battle.
None of the warriors was at any moment staggered nor close to losing by stoppage. Even after exchanging heavy bombs, the two men were able to handle each other's power.
Team Espinas celebrates with GAB chairman Abraham Mitra (raising Espinas's hand).
The outstanding third man in charge was veteran international referee Tony Pesons.
Official scores were 96-94 (twice) and 95-95 for the winner by majority decision Mark Vicelles 💥💥
In attendance in Liloan, Cebu, witnessing the excellent war was GAB chairman Baham Mitra, international referee Bruce McTavish, GAB Commisioner Mar Masanguid, GAB Cebu Office head Arlene Olondriz, I.P.I. executive Pio Paulo Castillo, Omega Gym Vice Prez Jerome Calatrava, and unbeaten world-ranked light flyweight contender Christian Araneta (who will fight an IBF world title eliminator by the end of next month).
GAB physician was Dr. Jose Unabia. GAB Timekeeper was Rowel Mendoza, Ring announcer Sandy Grumo.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
0 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP
Wed, 20 May 2026CARL “THE COBRA” FROCH REUNITES WITH ANDRE WARD ON ART OF WARD FOR FIRST IN-DEPTH SIT-DOWN SINCE THEIR LEGENDARY SUPER SIX FINAL
Wed, 20 May 2026BOXING LEGEND DARREN BARKER ANNOUNCES 'THE LONGEST ROUND' – A WORLD-FIRST ENDURANCE CHALLENGE FOR MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Wed, 20 May 2026IBA stands ready to organise Jon Jones professional boxing fight in Russia
Wed, 20 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Eight More Wins on Day Two at 2026 Copa America
Wed, 20 May 2026QC ends PCAP Season 6 All-Filipino conference campaign
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026It’s in the blood
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 19 May 2026“The fans will be the true winners” – Angel Ayala ready for IBA PRO 18 in Mexico City
Tue, 19 May 2026Rematch option for Melvin
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 19 May 2026World-class stablemates John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez & Darius ‘DFG’ Fulghum fighting on same card Friday night in San Jose
Tue, 19 May 2026Ignacio Defeats Malayan to Claim Title and USD 10,000 Prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 19 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Dominates Day One of 2026 Copa America with 11-0 Record
Tue, 19 May 2026Reina Tellez Returns to the Ring Following World Title Challenge Against Amanda Serrano
Mon, 18 May 2026Mombay, Garras top Helubong 50km Uphill Ultra Challenge
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 18 May 2026Arijan Goricki Knocks Out Hassan Ndonga in Nairobi
Mon, 18 May 2026