By Rey Danseco
The controversial four-point deduction slapped against Filipino challenger Dennis Laurente in two clashes of heads led to Indon champ Daudy Bahari’s acquisition of victory in their title fight on Thursday night at Indosiar Studio in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Bahari (28-1-1, 11 KOs) retained the Pan Asian Boxing Association (PABA) junior welterweight title when he was officially declared the winner via technical decision after Thai referee Chalerm Prayadsab stopped the fight in the middle of 12th and final round
Prayadsab punished Laurente (23-4-4, 12 KOs) with two-point deduction each in rounds 9 and 12 for headbutts causing severe bleeding on Bahari's left eyelid.
Indon judges at ringside had it 116-108, 115-110 and 116-109 all in favor of Bahari, who defended the title six times.
Indon boxing reporter Jeff Pamungkas who saw the fight insisted the deductions were incorrect and “excessive”.
“It was not very clear whether it was an intentional headbutt or not,” Pamungkas referring to the round 9 incident.
The top ranked fighter from Johnny Elorde Stable followed the instructions of his cornerman Mario Lumacad, who was the only other Filipino in the pack, when he confused Bahari with his aggressive southpaw-style-attack that prevented Bahari from initiating his usual excellent jabs and straights.
After the first deduction, Laurente pressed the action in the remaining rounds, as he knew the only way to win would be going for the kill.
“However the fight was finally stopped in the middle of round twelve following an unintentional headbutt as the two fighters traded punches,” Pamungkas reported.
Elorde said they have no plan to file a protest, saying controversy in boxing is part of the game.
“Charge to experience na naman ito,” said Elorde. Laurente, a former Oriental and Pacific lightweight king, and Lumacad were scheduled to come back last night having the contracted $1,500 purse in the fight.
