Raquinel and Zulueta Crowned ABF Champions in Bacolod City Homecoming
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 30 May 2025
Bacolod City erupted in celebration last Sunday as hometown heroes JAY-R “The Dreamer” Raquinel and John Michael “Striker” Zulueta both captured Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) titles in separate thrilling contests at the SMX Convention Center. The "Showdown in Bacolod Matira Matibay" event, promoted by Juan Ramon Guanzon and Josue Nietes with Brico Santig as the matchmaker, delivered a night of action and local pride.
In the first championship bout, the 28-year-old JAY-R “The Dreamer” Raquinel showcased his power and precision to claim the vacant ABF Super Flyweight title against Imani Matendo. Raquinel wasted no time asserting his dominance, dropping Matendo in the 3rd round with a well-placed two-punch combination. The 4th round saw Raquinel continue his assault, sending Matendo to the canvas early in the round as his opponent attempted to evade the onslaught.
Upon the resumption of the fight, Raquinel delivered a hard left punch to the body that sent Matendo down for a third and final time, clearly in agonizing pain and unable to continue. The victory improved Raquinel's impressive record to 18 wins with 14 knockouts, against two losses and one draw. Matendo, meanwhile, suffered his second professional loss, bringing his record to seven wins and one draw.
Later in the evening, the 29-year-old John Michael “Striker” Zulueta delivered a sensational performance, knocking out former IBF Pan Pacific champion Komgrich Nantapech of Thailand in the 3rd round to seize the vacant ABF Flyweight title.
Zulueta demonstrated his striking prowess early in the 3rd round, landing a powerful left punch that sent Nantapech to the canvas. Though Nantapech bravely rose to his feet and attempted to regain his composure, Zulueta unleashed a relentless barrage of left-right combinations, overwhelming the Thai fighter and dropping him for a second time. Nantapech once again stood up, but Zulueta pressed his advantage with a flurry of countless punches, forcing the referee to halt the contest for a knockout victory at 1:14 of the 3rd round.
This win adds another prestigious title to Zulueta's decorated career, which already includes five ABF Light Flyweight championships and a former IBF Asia Light Flyweight King designation. His record now stands at 18 wins with 11 knockouts and three draws. Nantapech's record, reflecting his long and arduous career, now shows 15 losses against 38 wins, 28 knockouts, and one draw.
Undercard Results:
The exciting championship bouts were supported by a competitive undercard:
• Carlo Condes and Klinton Pongase fought to a split draw, reflecting a closely contested bout.
• Jaupee Padohilaga and John Paul Sarigumba also ended their fight in a majority draw, showcasing an evenly matched contest.
• Christian Tiburon secured a unanimous decision victory over Jimpol Dignos.
The "Showdown in Bacolod Matira Matibay" proved to be a resounding success, highlighting the talent within the Filipino boxing scene and providing a memorable night for the passionate local fans.
PHOTO: ABF president Naris Singwangcha (extreme right) with Imani Matendo and Jay-R “The Dreamer” Raquinel.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
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