By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Promoter Sammy Gello-ani believes that the referee’s stoppage of the fight between promising youngster Weng Haya and WBO world featherweight champion Orlando “Siri” Salido was premature.
Gello-ani who was at special ringside told the Manila Standard that Weng Haya was “affected by a low blow from Salido in the sixth round.”
Describing the stoppage in 0:35 of round eight, the well-known promoter said Weng “was caught with a punch on the right side of his face and he back pedaled to stay on the ropes but Salido pressured him down.”
Gello-ani said Weng Haya “stayed down but on the count of six he stood up gesturing to the referee that he could continue but the referee decided and waived to stop the fight.”
Gello-ani who returns with Weng Haya on Wednesday morning said “it was a pity that Weng Haya was not able to finish Salido in the 4th round (after having dropped him once in the third and once in the fourth.” He said Salido “managed to hold on.”
The promoter said “.Weng was too excited and tight.”
Gello-ani said he is confident that Weng can handle the world champion who won the title with a stunning 8th round TKO of Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez last April 16.
Gello-ani revealed that despite Weng Haya’s wife being in hospital after an operation he continued his daily training before our departure. He is truly a dedicated fighter.”
The promoter added “with what he showed against Salido I plan to give him a Regional title fight and give him more competitive fights to prepare him again for a big fight in Mexico since he now has Mexican fans and they want him back to show his talent.”
