Iceman strikes in Lagao
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 15 Mar 2023
Presco Carcosia survived a flash knockdown in the first round and stayed busy the rest of the way to eke out a split decision over Arnel Baconaje for the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation superfeatherweight title at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City recently. It was a case of which fighter could establish his style to take control of the 10-round bout. Baconaje, built like a tank, failed to consistently apply pressure on Carcosia and his vaunted right hand was used sporadically. Carcosia took advantage of his 69-inch reach to spear Baconaje from a distance and was more active in the trenches.
In the final round, an accidental headbutt drew blood from a cut on Baconaje’s forehead. Ringside physician Dr. Clemente Carlos examined the wound and ruled Baconaje fit to end the bout. Blood dripped into Baconaje’s eye but it had no influence on the outcome. Carcosia, known as the Iceman, broke out in tears when the decision was announced and SanMan stable owner JC Manangquil was relieved. Judge Brembot Dulalas saw it 96-93 and judge Sabas Ponpon, 95-94, both for Carcosia while judge Marlou Neri had it 96-93 for Baconaje. It could’ve gone either way and a rematch seems to be in order.
Carcosia, 26, raised his record to 11-2-1, with nine KOs. He’s unbeaten on home soil as his two losses were by decision in Melbourne and Ota City. Baconaje scaled 139 3/ 4 in a 12-round loss by majority decision to Hong Quan Dinh in Vietnam last December and had to shed off weight to make the 130-pound limit. The fight was the mainer in the third edition of Manny Pacquiao’s “Blow By Blow” TV series. The first two were held in Mandaluyong. Sunday’s bill of 13 bouts was staged during the Kalilahan Festival celebrating the foundation of General Santos City in 1939 with GAB chairman Atty. Richard Clarin attending.
There were several highlights in the program. Jayson Brillo scored a rousing knockout at 0:58 of the first round over Jasyon Francisco in a scheduled eight-round minimumweight contest. Brillo, a southpaw, unleashed a three-punch combination that left Francisco sprawled in a corner for the 10-count. The assault began with a left hook to the side of the body then a right hook to the jaw and finally, a left hook to the other jaw as Francisco was on the way down. Brillo, 21, improved his mark to 6-0-1, with five KOs, four in the first round. Another highlight was rising star Judy Flores’ convincing win by unanimous decision over grizzled warrior Jonathan Taconing in a superflyweight tenner. The two-time world title challenger Taconing, 36 and 12 years older, was dropped once in the second, once in the third, once in the sixth and twice in the seventh but held to last the distance. Flores made his 10-round debut and upped his mark to 12-1, with seven KOs. His only loss was a shutout decision to world-ranked Antonio Nieves in Cleveland last May. It may be curtains for Taconing’s career.
Other highlights were Kenneth Egano’s second round KO over Jeager Bereno, John May Acope’s fourth round stoppage of Dennis Gaviola, Pepito Masangkay’s sixth round disposal of Alven Vergara, Bryl Bayogos’ fifth round demolition of Albert Parilla and Paulo Fortun’s fourth round blasting of Ian Bargaso. Masangkay’s victory was exciting from start to finish as Vergara was floored in rounds one, two and six. Magsangkay was down in the third. Vergara was badly battered but refused to quit. It took Vergara’s cornerman Ernie Sanchez to signal surrender after Masangkay delivered a series of head-snapping punches. The next “Blow By Blow” is scheduled on March 25 in the prelude to the Elorde Awards Night at the Okada Hotel.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Unified WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Champion Oscar "El Pupilo" Collazo Hosts Media Workout Ahead of March 14 Fight
Thu, 05 Mar 20262026 USA Boxing Men's Youth High Performance Team Announced
Thu, 05 Mar 20262026 USA Boxing Women’s Youth High Performance Team Announced
Thu, 05 Mar 2026Michael Linde rules Pangasinan chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 05 Mar 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 MARCH 2026: Navarrete Stops Nunez; Parra Jnr Outpoints Pierce; Wins by Emiliano Vargas and Abel Ramos
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Mar 2026Team Philippines Crowned Champions of the 2026 Predator WPA Teams World Championship
Wed, 04 Mar 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev calls for radical reform of the Olympic Movement and equal rights for athletes
Wed, 04 Mar 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Boxing—A Spectacle of Masses and Millennial Stages
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Tue, 03 Mar 2026Golden Boy Promotions Vs Virgil Ortiz Jr going to arbitration?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 03 Mar 2026Boxlab Promotions Signs Undefeated Nicaraguan Knockout Artist Jordan “La Cobrita” Orozco
Tue, 03 Mar 2026STACKED MARCH 14 UNDERCARD SHOWCASES GOLDEN BOY’S NEXT GENERATION OF CHAMPIONS
Tue, 03 Mar 2026The Perfect Boxing Prospect 12-0 Marco Romero
Tue, 03 Mar 2026Quietly formidable boxers Kristian Prenga & Pyrce Taylor continue Their assault on the heavyweight division
Tue, 03 Mar 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Flies to Perth for WBC Australasia Title Fight
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Ryan Daye vows a dominant standout performance in WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth Thunderdome 53
Mon, 02 Mar 2026