Santiago Stops "Little Spider" in Panama, Retains WBO Latino 108 Belt
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Apr 2023
WBO world-ranked Puerto Rican René “El Chulo” Santiago (11-3, 8 KOs) successfully defended his WBO Latino Light Flyweight strap by knocking out in 9 chapters Panama's Carlos “Arañita” (Little Spider) Ortega (15-7-3, 6 KO's) in the main event of the exciting show today in Panama City, Panama.
Throughout the rough encounter, "Little Spider" Ortega was forced to absorb a huge amount of leather as Santiago kept on throwing-in damaging impacts, visibly undermining the stamina of the big-hearted 108-pound fighter from Panama.
Little Spider is helped to his corner by Referee Ernesto Arce.
In round 9, Ortega's corner threw in the towel, prompting third man Ernesto Arce to stop the uneven battle to spare the beaten warrior from further damage. Official time was 1:28 minutes of frame 9.
The victorious Rene Santiago, who is currently the WBO #11 fighter, might very likely improve his standing in the world ranking.
At the same time, the courageous "Little Spider" Ortega, ranked as WBO # 5, will most likely be taken out of the Light Flyweight world-rankings.
FILIPINOS IN THE WBO LIGHT FLYWEIGHT WORLD RANKINGS
Three Filipinos are currently in the WBO World-rankings.
The highest Pinoy in the important list is Regie Suganob (13-0, 4 KO's) of Bohol as WBO #4 light flyweight.
The Puerto Rico-headquartered organization has also ranked Cebuano Christian "The Bomb" Araneta (23-2, 18 KO's) as WBO #9, and Manileño southpaw Arvin "Hurricane" Magramo (17-1-1, 11 KO's) is WBO #12.
Promising Filipinos in the WBO light flyweight world ranking. From L to R. Regie Suganob, Christian Araneta and Arvin Magramo. Who of them has more chances to become Light Flyweight Champ.
The reigning WBO Light Flyweight World Champion, Jonathan "Bomba" Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KO's) of Puerto Rico, is currently on sick leave.
"Bomba" Gonzalez was scheduled to battle Japanese star unified WBC/WBA 108 world champ Kenshiro Teraji (21-1, 13 KO's) in a unification clash last week in Japan. That did not happen.
Unfortunately, the Puerto Rican champ had to pull out due to sickness. Jonathan was found to be suffering from mycoplasma pneumonia.
Kenshiro stopped Bomba's replacement Anthony Olascuaga in nine frames.
It is possible that Kenshiro vs Bomba could happen in the future, although that, of course, is not 100% sure, plus, Bomba first has to make a full recovery.
The entertaining show in boxing-loving Panama, was an exciting promotion of reknown Cuban-American promoter Felix "Tuto" Zabala Jr., live on ESPN.
The author, veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama, 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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