By Rey Danseco
LITTLE known Filipino fighter Jerope Mercado fell short in his attempt to win a title in South Africa.
Reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) International bantamweight champion Vusi Malinga defended his title for the fourth time, second against a Filipino when he figured in a split draw against Mercado on Friday at the Nasrec Indoor Arena in Johannesburg.
Judge Siya Vabaza favored Mercado 115-112 on his scorecard while Andrew Smale sided with Malinga 114-113. The third official Ismael Koali saw it 114-114 draw.
Mercado’s handler Rex “Wakee” Salud of Cebu City described the decision “controversial” and he insisted they were robbed of a victory.
The Cagayan de Oro City native dropped his record to 10-2-1 with four knockouts while Malinga, who is ranked No. 10 in the world by WBC, improved to 15-2-1, 8 KOs.
Malinga’s other Filipino victim was former RP champion Joel Bauya, who floored thrice for automatic technical knockout loss three years ago.
