By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Outstanding amateur female boxer Gretchen Abaniel made a big impact with a four round majority decision over hometown favorite Li Hai Li in a fight card at the Expo Garden Hotel in Kunming, Yunnan, China on Saturday night.
Two of the judges had Abaniel winning handily but one judge reportedly scored it a draw. Abaniel is managed and trained by a former talented Australian boxer Terrance Mogg who lives in the Philippines.
Abaniel who fought as an amateur for three years won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Russia last year while it was Li’s third pro fight. She scored a majority decision over Liu Li last August 15 and was held to a draw by Liu Dan last November 25.
The 21 year old Filipina from Puerto Princessa dominated every round in the four round clash and displayed amazing punching power never seen for a minimum weight in China. Because of her outstanding performance Abaniel was a favorite among fight fans prompting the promoters to invite Abaniel to return for another bout early next year.
