By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Promising Ryan Bito won the WBO Intercontinental minimum weight title with an impressive unanimous twelve round decision over hard-hitting Thai Saengpetch Sor Sakulphan at the Elorde Sports Complex along Sucat Road, Paranaque late Saturday.
The open air fight card had to be moved indoors because of the rain and despite the delay fight fans were treated to what referee Bruce McTavish said was a fight that could well be the “fight of the year.”
Bito boxed beautifully to get the better of the Thai knockout artist who had 10 KO’s in 12 wins against 2 losses entering the ring. But Bito who is managed by Marty Elorde won on the scorecards of all three judges to improve his record to 9-4-2 with 2 KO’s.
Tony Comia scored the bout 115-112, Jonathan Davis had Bito the winner by a big 117-110 margin while Warren Jaro had the Filipino ahead 115-112 after referee McTavish deducted one point from Sakulphan for low blows.
Over at the Rajah Sulaiman Park in Manila, world rated Eriberto “Yukka” Gejon got a good workout in a lopsided ten round decision over Thailand’s tough Wisan Sor Suchanya.
The former world title challenger who is handled by Rex “Wakee” Salud won 100-91 on the scorecards of two judges and 100-90 on the third. Gejon who improved to 23-1-1 with 14 knockouts is hoping for another crack at WBA champion Yutaka Niida who won a highly controversial ten round technical decision in a title fight in Tokyo on September 25, 2005.
Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao who was at ringside for the title fight said he was certain Gejon won and assailed the bum decision.
However, Pacquiao whose MP Promotions handled the Saturday fight card didn’t show up for the event to the bitter disappointment of boxing fans who had wanted to get a glimpse of the ring warrior.
Pacquiao also failed to show despite several promises at the PBA Party List press conference at the Century Park on Saturday instead sending brother Bobby Pacquiao prompting those in attendance to say that Bobby was no Manny Pacquiao.
The PBA party list group is headed by former pro league superstar Jerry Codinera and counts strong support among athletes, sportsmen and young people.
