by Ronnie Nathanielsz
Promoter/Manager Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde claims that his fighter Vergel Nebran (11-7-1, 7 KO’s) was knocked out by a low blow in the eight of a ten round bout against former WBC super flyweight champion Tomas “Gusano” Rojas (42-14-1, 28 knockouts) in Vera Cruz, Mexico on Saturday night.
Elorde showed BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard a video of the fight and he did seem to have a case as the uppercut by Rojas appeared to catch Nebran below the belt and the fighter went down clutching his lower parts in pain while the referee, instead of giving Nebran time to recover - counted him out.
Rojas is looking for a possible title shot and appeared to be fading in the eighth round when he was cut and then landed a low blow giving him the victory which he needed to keep his title bid going.
The Standard also learned from contacts in Mexico that Nebran was originally scheduled to fight bantamweight Julio Ceja but when he arrived in Mexico was informed that he would face Rojas who is a super bantamweight which we have requested the GAB Boxing Division to look into after checking on the contract.
Reports from Vera Cruz said that Rojas had a tough time against the rugged Filipino.