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
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