TU?ACAO CAPTURES OPBF CROWN!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 20 Nov 2005
TOKYO--In a brilliant display of power and skills, Malcolm `Eagle Eye` Tu?acao completely established himself as a force to reckon with in the bantamweight division, dethroning Thailand`s Kumarnthong Por Pluemkamol on a one-sided, unanimous decision verdict in their 12-round battle at the Korakuen Hall here.
Tu?acao, who came into the ring carried by two burly men and a throng of supporters, befuddled Kumarnthong with his jab and body shots, and although clearly the superior boxer, also proved to be the stronger puncher with a shutout domination in scoring a 120-109, 119-109, 118-111 victory.
'My hands are aching. I proved my worth tonight. I`m very proud of my victory,` said Tunacao in a post-fight interview, where he was mobbed by adoring Japanese and Filipino fans.
The win improved the ex-WBC flyweight champ Tu?acao`s record to 19 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws with 13 KO`s and furthered his popularity here in Japan where he has been training for months.
`It was a boxing clinic. Tu?acao was too quick for the Thai boy. No way the Thai could beat him,` said veteran judge Pinit Prayadsad, who gave all the rounds to Tunacao, except the 4th where he had it even.
The on-rushing Kumarnthong could not solve the puzzle posed by Tu?acao, who used his lateral skills in frustrating his foe. Tu?acao rocked the Thai so many times in the entire fight, but Kumarnthong was too durable to be knocked out, although he came close to it many times throughout.
Tu?acao`s manager, Japanese businessman Yasuo Matsuoka, indicated he will try to arrange big fights for his prized ward following this big victory over the Thai warrior.
END
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
Mon, 30 Jun 2025Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Mon, 30 Jun 2025SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Jake Paul Earns Boxing Legitimacy with Dominant Decision Over Julio Cesar Chávez Jr.
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Vince Paras Faces Sarawut Thawornkham Today at Venue 88 in Gensan
Sun, 29 Jun 2025USA Elite High Performance Team Sets Sights on Gold at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Sun, 29 Jun 2025Alekhine Nouri bags silver in blitz
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Paul vs. Chavez Jr: Can Julio Derail Jake Paul?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 28 Jun 2025Dr. KO: Christian Mbilli Stops Maciej Sulecki in 1
Sat, 28 Jun 2025GOLDEN BOY SIGNS UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT BLUE-CHIP PROSPECT AMARI JONES
Sat, 28 Jun 2025Paul vs. Chávez Jr. is a Go: All Fighters Make Weight in Anaheim Ahead of High-Stakes Bout
Sat, 28 Jun 2025IIEE Chessmasters Overall Champion in the International Bundesliga with GM Joey Antonio
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 28 Jun 2025