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.
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