By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Japan-based Filipino, Rolly “Matsushita” Lunas (27-7-1, 14 ‘s) has scored what fight fans consider a stunning split decision victory over WBC No. 3 ranked Wethya Sakmuangklang (92-5, 55 KO’s) of Thailand whose last defeat was a sixth round TKO at the hands of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in Kidapawan on April 28, 2001.
Since the loss to Pacquiao, Wethya remained unbeaten and successfully defended the OPBF 122 pound title five times before losing to Lunas in what well-known Japanese boxing writer, manager and matchmaker Joe Koizumi described as “twelve sizzling hot and close rounds.”
The southpaw Wethya had previously lost a close decision in a WBC featherweight title fight to Guty Espadas Jr in 2001 in Merida where Espadas had earlier won the title in a battle with Luisito Espinosa.
It was a close fight all throughout with two of the judges scoring the fight in favor of Lunas 115-113 and 115-114 and the third judge having Wethya the winner 115-114.
Lunas landed some solid rights and was impressive in the ninth round when he connected with what Koizumi said were right uppercuts and sharp combinations.
In a supporting bout former Philippine lightweight champion JR Sollano (16-10, 12 KO’s)scored a cracking one punch stoppage of Panama’s 130 pound champion Joel Cerrud (19-4-2, 15 KO’s)at 2:43 of round two of scheduled eight round bout.
Sollano caught Cerrud with a left-right combination flush on the chin and as the Panamanian fight wobbled, the referee decided to call a halt.
In an all-Filipino clash, Joel Consulta (7-1-1, 3 KO’s who fights out of Japan under Kashimi Gym was held to a technical draw against Robert Allanic (18-4-2,9 ‘s) when Allanic suffered a nasty gash at 2:41 of the second round.
