GONZALES SUFFERS FIRST LOSS IN BLOODY BRAWL AGAINST SERMONA
By Chito Yu Katangkatang
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 15 May 2012
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro - Roberto Gonzales was a picture of an improved fighter as he battered Ryan Sermona from round one to four. It was a shut out domination with Gonzales throwing accurate jab straights and power combos to the head and body of Ryan Sermona. In the third round, Sermona's face was a bloody mess from a cut on his upper right eyelid that was caused by a valid punch from Gonzales. Sermona looked so wasted but never stopped punching back and throwing wild hooks to the charging Gonzales. A wild exchange of punch flurries in the third round got a standing ovation from a greatly entertained crowd.
But in the fifth round, the tide was turned and Gonzales appeared to have exhausted himself and became vulnerable to the wild slings of Sermona. A combination to the head stunned Gonzales and upon smelling blood, Sermona threw a powerful right hook that perfectly hit Gonzales' jaw dropping the hometown hero to the canvas. International Referee Bruce McTavish, seeing the damage immediately waved off his hands and stopped the fight thus crowning Sermona as the new IBF Pan Pacific Junior Lightweight Champion.
It was a heart breaking loss by stoppage for the rising star Roberto Gonzales but the fight itself was a total sight to behold. Two warrriors came to fight and the engaged in a bloody war where the fighter who showed more heart emerged victorious. Gonzales has totally improved and showed his world class potential. But in boxing, one mistake can cost you the whole fight and Gonzales made that little mistake which Sermona took advantage of. Gonzales got up safe from any serious injuries. Sermona's cut was stitched and he said yes to the possibility of a rematch.
Saved by the Bell Promotions top guy Elmer Anuran was impressed by the showing of his ward despite the loss. "Gonzales fought his heart out. He improved a lot despite the stamina loophole. It can be fixed. Sometimes, we learn lessons the hard way and I'm sure Roberto has learned and won't commit the same mistake in the future. What is one loss to many great wins? This kid can come back and do greater in his career. That is why we are still pursuing the plan to send him and Al Sabaupan to the U.S. to train. I believe in this kid. He has no amateur experience but he's got innate boxing talent. Sermona deserves the credit. He showed a lot of heart and grabbed the title through hard work. Props to the kid Sermona."
In the other professional bouts of the evening, Lolito Sonsona scored a split draw versus Robert Alcoy while Jethro Pabustan won via retirement in the fourth round against the very game Jestoni Pepito. Amateur bouts also brought down the house as local kids brawled with gusto and even scored knock downs despite wearing protective gears. The Puerto Galera Sports Arena was in a Boxing Fiesta as the crowd enjoyed the fights bout by bout and round by round.
After the event, it was time for the guests to enjoy the beaches of Puerto Galera which made the long trip even more worthwhile. Watch out for more spicy sides of the event as covered by D'Source!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chito Yu Katangkatang.
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