Escaner Retains Title by Controversial Decision

By Rey Danseco
 
A controversial decision helped Philippine super bantamweight champion Alex Escaner to retain his title in the main event of Fiesta Fistiana on Sunday night at Rajah Sulaiman Park in Malate, Manila, Philippines.

Judges Alex Villacampa and Ramon Flores scored the 12-round collision 114-114 and 115-115, respectively to rule the fight majority draw.  Narciso Martinez saw the fight Verano was way ahead on his final tally, 116-112.

Chairman Eric Buhain of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) and promoter Bomber Pamilloza insisted it was indeed a wrong decision, particularly the Villacampa and Flores’ verdicts.

Buhain asked Verano’s manager Leonil Lazarito to file a formal protest -- a move that may put Villacampa and Flores in hot water and it may lead to an immediate rematch or reversal of decision.

“The decision must not be a draw, Verano dominated the bout and he must be declared winner,” said Jimmy Narvaez, a veteran matchmaker and ratings committee chairman of the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF). “Chairman (Buhain) and Bomber Pamiloza felt bad about the verdict.”

Escaner, a Paranaque City-based native of Lebac town in Sultan Kudarat, retained the title for fifth time since he dethroned Cebu’s Reynald Tribo with unanimous decision win in September 2004 in San Juan, Metro Manila.

Tribo won the vacant title in expense of Verano with split decision win in April 2004 in Mandaue City.

The proceeds of the event will be given to the retired boxers who are injured and in need like former world champ Rolando Navarrete and Pretty Boy Lucas.

On the undercard, RP No. 2 minimumweight Denver Cuello stopped Carlo Besares in the first round; the country's No. 4 super bantamweight fighter Jun Talape dominated ex-RP bantam champ Johnny Lear over 10 rounds; RP No. 1 feather Michael Farenas stopped former RP featherweight king Jeffrey Onate in the second round.

In the bouts schedule for four rounds, lightweight Jurlan Ceniza earned a split decision win over Francis Borreros and Jason Perater took a unanimous decision victory over Ruel Cuizon in their bout at 128-lb.

In the women’s boxing, flyweight Geremie Tabastabas earned a majority decision win against Jujeath Nagawa while Gretchen Abaniel stopped Baina Londo in the third round.

Proceeds of the Fiesta Fistiana, which first began in 1955, will be given to retired boxers who are in need like former WBC champ Rolando Navarrete and Pretty Boy Lucas. Instead of giving out cash, as was the usual practice, organizers are handing business starter kits to the chosen boxers to help them establish their own source of income.