Gandionco, Enriquez Lose in South Africa
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 07 Jun 2014
Arriving in South Africa just around 24 hours before the weigh-in ceremony might have been a contributing factor for Filipino warriors Macrea Gandionco and Michael "The Blade" Enriquez to quit on their stools during their respective fights last night at the Orient Theater in East London City, South Africa.
Gandionco (10-1-1, 6 KO's ) of Baguio lost to hard-hitting former SA champion Luzuko Siyo (13-2, 10 KO's), while Cagayan de Oro fighter Michael "The Blade" Enriquez (8-2-1, 4 KO's) succumbed to 23-year-old Western Cape's boxer Mzuvukile "Old Bones" Magwaca (14-1-1, 9 KO's).
With the results, The South African Siyo earned the vacant IBO Inter-Continental Jr. Flyweight (108 lbs) belt, while his compatriot Magwaca captured the vacant IBO Inter-Continental Flyweight (112 lbs.) title.
WHAT HAPPENED TO GANDIONCO AND ENRIQUEZ?
After not performing well during the first rounds of action, manager Jim Claude Manangquil stopped both fights in the stool in a correct decision to protect his boxers.
Manangquil halted the fight of the previously unbeaten Gandionco at the start of round 6; and he was prompted to do the same for Enriquez at the beginning of the fourth stanza.
"I stopped the fight of Enriquez as I noticed that his legs were not moving fast enough. I did not waited for any punishment to get him. It was the right thing to do and I must protect my boxers. Due to visa issues, we arrived in South Africa around 30 hours before the weigh-in. Jetlag, cold and not enough rest was too much after a 30-hour long trip to South Africa from the Philippines. But no excuses! We are warriors and my brave boxers did their best," shared the young, but talented boxing promoter from General Santos City.
As of now, boxers Macrea Gandionco and Michael "Blade" Enriquez (both 22 years of age), are safe on their way home in the Philippines accompanied by their promoter Jim Claude Manangquil and head coach Renie Gabawa.
The card last night in East London, South Africa, was a production of veteran South African promoter Andilie Sinidile, whose boxer Simpiwe Vetyeka recently lost his world title to Filipino Nonito Donaire in Macau.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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