SPORTSCLOPEDIA 14: DAVE APOLINARIO, THE OTHER FILIPINO WORLD TITLE HOLDER
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 16 Jan 2023
Dave Apolinario, age 23, of Maasim, Sarangani, a southpaw, is the only other Filipino world boxing champion, aside from the newly crowned WBO minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem.
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In his 17th fight, Apolinario became a world champion by a brief stoppage of South African Gideon Buthelezi by KO1 on July 29, 2022 at International Convention Centre, East London, South Africa for the vacant IBO flyweight title. He has 17 wins, with 12 KOs, and no defeat and no draw.
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The International Boxing Organization (IBO) is an independent organization not recognized by the "big four" governing bodies (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO). It is only regarded as a minor world title.
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It is recognized as a legitimate world championship by the British Boxing Board of Control, the European Boxing Union, BoxRec, and BoxingScene but is not recognized major world title by The Ring magazine. Its headquarters is based in Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.A.
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In his professional debut, Apolinario stopped Prince Canonero by TKO1 on June 10, 2017 at Robinsons' Mall Atrium, General Santos City. He won the vacant WBC ABCO Youth flyweight title over Michael Camelion by UD8 on September 9, 2018 at Polomolok Gym, Polomolok.
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Apolinario seized the Asia flyweight title by stopping Charlie Malupanguevia by TKO4 on July 16, 2021 at Tabunok Sports Complex, Talisay City.
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JC Manangquil of Sanman Boxing Promotions, Apolinario's promoter, admitted that the IBO is the least prestigious among boxing’s alphabet organizations. He and Apolinario’s manager Mike Pelayo want to set their boxer for a title shot at a more prestigious crown.
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They want Apolinario to fight Julio Cesar Martinez, the reigning WBC flyweight champion from Mexico. Apolinario is now rated WBC No. 12, IBF No. 6, WBO No. 15 and WBA No. 3.
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On January 15, 1971 Joe Frazier retained his world titles by defeating Terry Daniels by TKO4 at Rivergate Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. for the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles. Frazier is known as the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali. Smokin' Joe Frazier reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973. As an amateur boxer he won a gold medal at the 1964 Rome Olympics.
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The 5 ft 11 1⁄4 in Frazier was born on January 12, 1944 at Beaufort, South Carolina, U.S.A. and died at the age of 67 on November 7, 2011 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. Terry Daniels was born on May 1, 1946 in Willoughby, Ohio, U.S.A. and died on September 3, 2020 at the age of 73.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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