BALUARTE WINS WBO YOUTH CROWN!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 27 Apr 2008
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Local bet Eusebio Baluarte Jr notched the WBO Asia Pacific Youth junior welterweight title Saturday night with an impressive first-round annihilation of Thailand's Yai Sithsaithong in the main event of the "Rumble in Mis. Or." presented by Gov. Oscar Moreno and Leolet Sports Promotion.
Baluarte, a native of Don Carlos, Bukidnon, unleashed a big right overhand that sent Sithsaithong on his knees early in the fight. Sensing imminent victory, Baluarte then pressed the action and threw lethal combinations to score yet another knockdown that prompted referee Delbert Peligrino to stop the fight at the 1:30 mark of the round.
"We are very happy to have this new champion in our midst. Baluarte will go far, and who knows he might be fighting in Las Vegas down the line. That's our aim," said promoter Leonil Lazarito.
With the win, Baluarte now improves to 13 wins, 1 loss with 10 KO's, while Sithsaithong went down to 13 wins, 7 losses, 6 KO's.
WBO Asia Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo, who supervised the fight, said that Baluarte has the potential to go places, and a little more toughening will give him a chance at the world-class level.
According to Lazarito, Governor Oscar Moreno is planning on a long-term program to support the career of Baluarte and other local fighters, a shot in the arm for local boxing.
In the co-feature, PBF bantamweight boss Eric Barcelona used his vast arsenal to stop a rampaging Phil Angcamor at the end of the fifth round to retain his title.
The ringside physician advised the referee to stop the fight owing to the huge swelling in Angcamor's right optic, thus awarding a TKO victory for Barcelona.
In a battle of veterans, Jaime Barcelona halted Bohol's Melvin Ayudtud in the fifth round in their scheduled 10-round featherweight clash.
William Jorge of Bukidnon looked impressive in demolishing Joy Trujillo of Saranggani in the second round of their well-applauded bout.
A very promising upstart, Mark Anthony Geraldo of Kibawe, Bukidnon, lived up to his billing with an explosive first-round knockout over Bryan Diano.
Other results: Elmar Francisco by UD over Rodel Veronque; Renan Branzuela US over Paul John Gelbolingo; Elmer Legaria UD over Randy Megrino; Felix Mallorca majority decision over Erwin Ada; Alvin Bais by majority decision over Joefrey Maramara; and Ryan Makiputen by KO2 over Mario Dosal.
Top photo: Eusebio Baluarte Jr. (L) sends the visiting Thai to the canvas as the referee signals to Baluarte to go to the neutral corner.
From left, GAB Commissioner Angel Bautista, Mis-Or governor Oscar Moreno, Baluarte, WBO Vice President Leon Panoncillo, promoter Leonil Lazarito and Referee Delbert Peligrino.
Eric Barcelona (L) catches Ancamor with a right hook.
Hot young prospect Mark Anthony Geraldo (L) goes up with Bryan Diano. Geraldo disposed Diano at 1:30 in the first round.
Part of the audience of last night's boxing event in Cagayan de Oro City.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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