Torrid Afternoon of TKO’s in Talisay

By Rene Bonsubre,Jr

CEBU, PHILIPPINES- Former mainstays of the amateur boxing program of Talisay City, Cebu had a successful entry into the professional ranks Sunday in a fight card held at the San Isidro Multipurpose Gym.

The show was opened by two southpaws, Mike Kavin Perez and John Vincent Pangga. After a series of heated exchanges in the opening round, Pangga dropped Perez with a body shot. He tried to get up but could not beat the count of Referee Nic Banal.

Keyt Niño Abatayo vs. Cedie Noblefranca was a bloody affair. Abatayo knocked down Noblefranca in the third round. A clash of heads followed and Noblefranca was cut on the right side of the head in the scalp region which is prone to bleed profusely. He continued to fight and even scored a flash knockdown against Abatayo in the final round. It was not enough to overturn Abatayo’s lead.

The judges’ scores – Noel Flores – 38-36, Arnie Najera – 39-36, Rafael Osumo – 38-37 for Abatayo, who wins his pro debut while Noblefranca dropped to 0-6-1.

The third bout was a fast paced competitive contest between Anthony Gilbuela (3-1-1) and Rolien Getalada (1-8-1). The soaring heat inside the venue did not slow down the action one bit.

Gilbuela got the nod of all three judges -39-37.

Marco Pumar, who has consistently won medals in national amateur tournaments, entered the pro ranks by stopping Renante Noblefranca (0-2) after two rounds. Pumar pounded Noblefranca until his corner decided not to make him answer the bell for the third round.

Kit Ceron Garces, who also collected medals in national and international tournaments for the past eight years, decked Marvin Laping (0-4) with a left hook to the ribs in the second round. Referee Nic Banal signaled the end at the 2:35 mark.

The card billed as “First Blood” was presented by 10,000 BC Boxing Gym and Stags Promotions.

Photo from Sunday afternoon’s action in Talisay City, Cebu.