Garin Diagan Edges Huu Toan Le, Becomes the New WBA Asia 105 Champ in Vietnam
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 26 Mar 2023
HO CHI MINH, Vietnam -- In a close, competitive 12-rounder battle, Filipino Garin "Hellboy" Diagan of Alabel, Sarangani Province, edged world-ranked Huu Toan Le (6-1, 3 KO's), of Vietnam to claim the WBA Minimumweight Title Saturday, March 25, at the cozy Saigon Sports Club in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Guided by his Filipino compatriots Rod Michelle Sarguilla, Rex Peñaloza and Brico Santig, the tough and talented Diagan did just enough to secure enough points for a razor-thin split decision win in his opponent's own backyard.
The more aggressive, coming-forward Vietnamese met a skilled Garin Diagan (10-3, 5 KO's), counter-punching him from a distance, constantly moving, and using an effective jab together with a hard straight.
In reply, the relentless, always-on-the-attack Huu Toan Le (6-1, 3 KO's) found success in the middle rounds, putting pressure on "Hellboy," landing power shots on the Pinoy warrior, complicating things for the Filipino.
The win follows-up Garin Diagan's knockout victory late last year in South Africa.
"Hellboy" Diagan has achieved two meaningful triumphs overseas, one in the Land of Nelson Mandela, the other one tonight in Vietnam, which will hopefully get him the world ranking, a reward that he indeed deserves.
"Garin Diagan vs Huu Toan Le" in Vietnam was a production of Vietnam's top boxing promotion outfit: Shadow Entertainment. Matchmaker: Brico Santig of Highland Boxing.
After the win, Garin Diagan was treated to a small dinner celebration. He will be able to happily celebrate with family and friends once he returns home.
Diagan will arrive back in Pinoyland on Sunday evening.
Congratulations to Garin Diagan, "THE NEW" WBA Asia Minimumweight Champion.
Garin Diagan celebrates with coach Rod, Rex Penaloza, Brico Santig and Carlos Costa after his win in Vietnam.
Main photo by Carlos Costa for Philboxing.com.
The author, veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama, was ringside in Vietnam. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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