By JM Siasat
MANILA, Philippines- Filipino light flyweight contender Jonathan Taconing (13-2-1, 10KO's) was moments away from being crowned the new world light flyweight champion when he fought the defending title holder, Kompayak Porpramook in Thailand. Taconing was getting the better of the fight and exchanges but an accidental headbutt followed by a right hook opened a small cut above the defending champion's left eye gave way for the shady officials to declare Kompayak Porpramook the winner by technical decision after 5 rounds of action.
It was a highly disputed match up, majority in the boxing community knew Taconing won the fight including his manager, Johnny Elorde. Elorde immediately wrote a protest later to WBC President Jose Sulaiman asking for a immediate rematch to which Sulaiman responded by asking a DVD copy of the fight for review.
More than 20 days after the fight, it was reported on Philboxing.com that the WBC committee was able to review the bout but no immediate rematch was ordered. It was also mentioned on the article that "WBC rules do not accept rematches unless the original fight was of such world acceptance that a rematch would be convenient for the sport" and that the champion is now looking to rematch former title holder Adrian Hernandez.
Given that the fight should have been a draw was no more than a comment, Taconing would have to deal with having a 5th round technical decision defeat on his record. "I don't have a problem with that defeat, I know I won that fight" said Taconing on my phone interview. "I think they know that they won't win against this Filipino so they would rather rematch Hernandez".
"I would like to fight Hernandez if he wins their rematch if not then I want to fight any of the champions at 108 or 112. I'll fight them anywhere as long as we're in a neutral ground without cheats" said Taconing. And even when the sanctioning body's decision did not go to his favor, Taconing has nothing but kind words for the WBC. "I'm still thankful to the WBC for giving me the chance to fight for a title. For now I'll just wait for offers and keep training".
Taconing's assistant manager, Liza Elorde also fancies a possible Hernandez match up. "Whoever wins the rematch, we hope they let Taconing fight the winner" told Liza Elorde. "Everybody can see and attest that Taconing really won that (Porpramook) fight. The mere fact the they're saying that it should have been a draw, shows that the decision wasn't right".
Taconing will most likely fight for a vacant WBC Silver title if he gets denied of another world title shot.
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