BEST YEAR FOR SANMAN
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 04 Jan 2023
TWENTY-TWENTY TWO is the best year for Sanman Boxing Promotion.
Undefeated Dave “Dobermann” Apolinario of Sanman became the new International Boxing Organization world flyweight champion after he scored a 1st round knockout against Gideon Buthelezi of South Africa for the vacant title last July 29 in East London, South Africa.
The 23-year-old Apolinario made it after the Philippines already lost all the five world champions - Mark Magsayo, Johnriel Casimero, Rene Mark Cuarto, Nonito Donaire and Jerwin Ancajas.
Apolinario only needed a solid left punch followed by a right to knock down Buthelezi in the opening round. Buthelezi tried to stand up but was too late already as the referee completed the count.
Apolinario cried after victory and lay on the floor. He was joined by his team manager Jean Claude " JC" Manangquil, assistant Ramon Falgui and trainer Ronerex Dalut.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. personally congratulated Apolinario for winning the IBO World flyweight championship at the Malacanang Palace.
Apolinario (R) poses with President Marcos in Malacanang.
“His dedication and hard work exhibited in the boxing field is non-negotiable and only worthy of pride. You can hope that we will support the next fights of every Filipino athlete,” said Marcos.
Apolinario earlier also retired Mike Kinaadman of Iligan City in the 4th round at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City on February 5, 2022.
Apolinario of Maasim, Sarangani Province is currently the Philippines’ only world champion, with a perfect record of 17 wins and 0 losses, with 12 knockouts (KOs).
OPBF LIGHT FLYWEIGHT
Joey Canoy, also of Sanman, knocked out former champion Kenichi Horikawa of Japan in the 7th round to win the vacant Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation light flyweight title last Sunday, November 4 at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
The 29-year-old Canoy of Gensan, who is trained by Markquil Salvaña, has now 19 wins, five loses, two draws with 11 knockouts.
Meanwhile, former title-contender Reymart “Assassin” Gaballo of Polomolok stopped Ricardo “Smiley” Sueno of Sagay City to win the two vacant titles - WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental and WBO Oriental bantamweight on October 29 at the Lagao Gym in Gensan.
Vince Paras of Gensan finally beat Robert Paradero of Bukidnon to win the World Boxing Association Asia South flyweight championship in their rematch last October 9 in Paranaque City.
They settled for a draw in their first fight last April 26 held in Gensan.
IBF top rated super flyweight Jade “Hurricane” Bornea of Cotabato continued to be undefeated after a 7th round technical knockout win over veteran Ivan Meneses of Mexico on August 19 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The 27-year-old Bornea now has 18 wins with 12 knockouts.
There were two fighters, who are ZIP Sanman - Esneth “Hard Hitter” Domingo of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat and WBO world title contender Jeo “Santino” Santisima of Masbate have also won,
Domingo knocked out Kosuke Tomioka of Japan last December 26 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo while Santisima stopped Hiroshige Osawa of Japan by a 5th round technical knockout last night, August 14 at the EDION Arena in Osaka.
ZIP is represented by Nobuyuki Matsuura and Marivic Kamiyama while Sanman Boxing is headed by Jim Claude Manangquil.
And what a finish Sanman had.
It was a year-end boxing promotion last December 31 at the Tagum City when Ian Sampan of Gensan became the new World Boxing Federation (WBF) International super featherweight champion.
The 21-year-old Sampan knocked out veteran Jason Tinampay of Bohol in the 6th round at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.
Meanwhile, IBF North American super bantamweight champion Mike “Magic” Plania of Gensan stopped Jeffrey "Tsunami" Francisco of Palawan in just 38 seconds of the 1st round in the co-main event.
Sanman is composed of JC Manangquil, John Ray Manangquil and Dexter Tan.
Photo: (left to right) Trainer Ronerex Dalut, new IBO World flyweight champion Dave Apolinario, manager JC Manangquil and assistant Ramon Falqui.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
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