By Carlos Costa
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines -- Sanman Promotions, the boxing company of Jim Claude Manangquil celebrated its 50th fighting event by staging the thrilling Uzbekistan vs Philippines "Brawl at the Mall 11" Sunday (July 29) at Robinsons Place at the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santos City.
In the exciting main event, Uzbek visiting brawler Jasur Akhmadjonov (5-1, 3 KO's) and the reigning Filipino VIZPROBA titlist Rodel Wenceslao battled to a close, razor-thin 8-round split draw that earned the applause of the delighted fans in attendance.
The more aggressive Uzbek dominated the first half of the war, though lost steam, allowing the more durable Wenceslao to close-in in the later rounds with better boxing. Some rounds could have gone either way and the final verdict of a draw makes perfect sense. The third man in charge was the impeccable 29 year-old referee Rodel Garde of Davao.
For the co-main, unbeaten Uzbekistan super welterweight Ulugbek Sobirov (6-0, 4 KO's) ravaged Filipino former GAB Welterweight titlist Dennis Padua in less than three minutes, as the artillery unleashed by Sobirov was too fast and too devastating for the overpowered Padua to handle; the Filipino succumbed seating on the canvas near his blue corner, listening to the whole 10-seconds count.
In another international battle, Malaysian bantamweight Rajan Nadarajah was successful in his pro boxing debut, scoring a 4-rounder unanimous decision win over Pinoy warrior Junrex Saldivia of Glan, Sarangani. The lanky Nadarajah did not display much punching power in his blows, though his boxing skills and toughness were acceptable, with much room for improvement.
MORE RESULTS FROM GENSAN
In super bantamweights, hard-hitting Jade Bornea (12-0, 8 KO's) of the Sanman Boxing Stable kept his undefeated record intact as he brutalized the more matured Alvin Bais of Surallah, Cotabato del Sur, in a round three knock out win. After receiving a vicious attack, Bais surrendered near the red corner listening to all the seconds go by.
In another duel, undefeated local Gensan fighter Jerven Mama (6-0-1, 4 KO's) scored a round four TKO win as journeyman Ryan Tampus confused everyone in attendance by getting mad and leaving the ring during a rest period.
The abandonment of the fight by Tampus prompted his immediate loss, an action not well-received, especially among the betting fans. The strange development occurred when the veteran Tampus was seemingly beginning to take control of the fight, landing telling blows that staggered Jerven Mama.
It would be positive and appropriate for boxer Ryan Tampus to explain to the GAB the reason why he abruptly left the ring.
Also, Jerry Francisco (5-0, 1 KO) of Antipas, Cotabato, won an 8-round unanimous decision over 23 year-old Davao combatant Gerald Alvarez (4-5, 4 KO). Francisco was the superior boxer through the battle, however he evidenced a lack of dynamite power in his blows.
In a skirmish of two veteran warriors, Richie "Magnum" Mepranum (33-7-1, 9 KO's) of Sarangani recorded a six-round majority decision victory over fellow journeyman Rodel Tejares.
After the fight was over, it was evident among fans in attendance that the best fighting years of Mepranum and Tejares can be seen in the back mirror.
Moreover, Gensan fighter Adam Diu Abdulhamid (12-6, 4 KO's) knocked out Philip Parcon in two chapters.
Plus, unbeaten Judy Flores (4-0, 1 KO) of Davao del Norte rocked, shocked and vaporized Paolo Perono in the very first stanza.
In the first bout of evening, rookie Presco Carcosia of the Sanman Boxing Stable was victorious in his boxing pro debut by stopping in two rounds unheralded Rey John "Jadry" Indita (1-5-1, 1 KO) of Bukidnon.
In conclusion, the boxing event was a knock out win for the organizers, with the fans wanting another one as soon as possible.
The Games and Amusement Board (GAB) officials in charge were GAB Officer in charge of Southern Mindanao Datu Fahd Yasser A. Sinsuat together with GAB supervisor John Kenneth Improso, and Ring Physician Dr. Clemente Carlos III.
The author Carlos Costa of Panama is Boxingscene.com fight reporter based in Cebu, Philippines. Carlos can be reached by email: Carlos512@hotmail.com and by Viber/Whatsapp: +639184538152.
