GEJON'S ROUGH RETURN
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 27 Oct 2008
Eriberto "Yukka" Gejon was once tagged as a future world champ. He may not have been as popular as his contemporaries like Randy Suico, Rodel Mayol or Malcolm Tunacao but any boxing insider will tell you about his talent and potential. He also had the physical tools to make it big. At 5'6", he was unsually tall for the minimumweight (105 lb) division. He was undefeated (21-0-1) going into his 2005 title bout against then champion Yutaka Niida of Japan. He lost a ten round technical decision in Yokohama where many felt he was robbed.
Two years later he faced the same Niida only to lose a lopsided unanimous decision. Misfortune continued to hound Gejon, in his next two fights in Japan he lost by first round KO to Roman Gonzales of Nicaragua and lost by split decision to Japanese Yuji Kanemitsu.
Gonzales is now the WBA 105 titlist. He KO'd Niida in four rounds last month.
It seemed Gejon's career had a premature and tragic sunset in the Land of the Rising Sun. Most boxers would close their careers after three straight loses and Yukka had four loses in his last six.
But he is only 29 years old. Boxing history is filled with stories of Cinderella-like comebacks. On paper Brix "Bomb" Ray (3W-6L-1D, 2KO) was not supposed to be major stumbling block. But one good thing about boxing, there is always the opportunity to witness high drama.
Gejon used his reach advantage and established his jab early. His lateral movement managed to avoid Ray?s wild rushes. Gejon managed to land effective combinations and tied up Ray when he got close.
The tide turned in the fourth round when a head butt caused blood to flow from the top of Gejon?s forehead. Ray got a point deduction but Gejon?s own blood was flowing profusely and obstructing his vision. Like a jungle predator, Ray scent detected a kill.
Ray chased Gejon across the ring like he owed him money. Yukka realized that now he was in a real fight. In the next two rounds Ray was mugging him from pillar to post.
Gejon was now fighting flat footed. In the sixth round Ray exploded his best bomb of the fight ? a powerful right that had Gejon tottering on the brink. The bell was merciful.
I wonder what went through Gejon?s mind at the end of the sixth. Was it the burden of his past or the uncertainty of his future?
The next four rounds saw an exhausted Gejon dig in deep in his arsenal trying to turn back the charging Ray. It became a battle of who could establish his will and fighting style. Yukka got his second wind just in time to regain control and box effectively in the final round and win by unanimous decision. Gejon has stopped his losing streak, which will be good for his confidence. This fight was a good test for him. But the road back to boxing?s center stage will be long and hard.
Top photo: Eriberto 'Yukka' Gejon receives a right to the ribs from Davao's Brix 'Bomb' Ray in this bit of action during their fight Friday night in Tagbilaran City. Photo by King Catriz.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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