Fajardo TKOs Gabunilas in 1st round, wins OPBF light flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 17 Aug 2023
ORTHODOX Miel “Silent Assassin” Fajardo of Agusan del Sur immediately went to work by stopping the over-confident John Paul “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas of Cebu in just the 1st round last August 15 at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.
The 23-year-old Fajardo quickly threw a right to send Gabunilas down the canvas.
Gabunilas was again given a count by referee Tony Pesons after he was down by the left-and-right punches by Fajardo.
The 22-year-old Gabunilas tried to fight back but Fajardo again landed a left cross for the final knockdown at 1:00.
Fajardo was running around the ring while the referee was holding Gabunilas.
Present during the fight were his manager Brico Santig and trainer Ericxon Asilo.
Fajardo is now the new Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation light flyweight champion. He is currently also the Asian Boxing Federation flyweight title-holder.
Fajardo won the ABF flyweight title by quickly knocking out Sarawut Jiamthong of Thailand in the 1st round last December 28, 2023 in Bangkok.
Earlier, April Jay “Astroboy” Abne won by a split decision over Robert Paradero to become the new OPBF Silver flyweight champion in the main supporting bout.
The 24-year-old Abne was down once in Round 8. But Paradero was deducted a point in Round 10 by referee Nick Banal for attempting to hit Abne while he was down.
Judge William Manos scored 95-93 in favor of Paradero while judges Edwin Barrientos and Rolando Mendoza both saw it 95-93 in favor of Abne.
The other results:
Rodex Piala won by a split decision over Jason Canoy Manigos;
Brix Piala defeated Alan Alberca by a unanimous decision;
Borland Robles retired Francis Jay Diaz in the 3rd round;
Bryan James Wild won by a UD over Ryan Rey Ponteras.
The event was promoted by Eva Marie Arguisola.
Photo (R-L): Brico Santig, Meil Fajardo and Ericxon Asilo.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Villarosa draws with Labajo, Enano wins
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Suarez, Magsayo Reliving High Point in PH Boxing at Super Featherweights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Pacman back into full-time boxing
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Unbeaten Laurente Dominates Marapu to Capture IBF Pan-Pacific Lightweight Crown; Gaballo Wins in Co-Main Event
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Thunderdome 51 Review: Perth’s Joel Lewis claims title with stunning knockout
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Paulette Cuesta and Susy Kandy Sandoval Set for Highly Anticipated Rematch in Tijuana
Tue, 02 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 31 August 2025
By Eric Armit, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Gaballo, Laurente prevail in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Paalam leads ABAP team in Liverpool
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 01 Sep 2025OKC Thunder Favored to Repeat as NBA Champs
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Pacman sets ‘Thrilla’ commemoration
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 31 Aug 2025Historic win for Paolo Gallito who edges Lee Van Cortez in the finals of the Efren "Bata" Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 Aug 2025"The Return" Weights from Detroit
Sun, 31 Aug 2025Efren Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Tourney: Corteza Faces Villafuerte in Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 31 Aug 2025Martha Salazar: Stepping Out of Her Own Shadow
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 30 Aug 2025