By Rey Danseco
A boxer from Valencia City in Bukidnon has became the new Philippine super bantamweight champion after he beat long-time titlist Alex Escaner on Saturday night at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Paranaque City, Metro Manila.
Jake Verano scored two knockdowns in the early rounds and dominated Escaner in most of the later rounds to win by unanimous decision over twelve.
Verano floored Escaner for the first time in the first round with left hand punch and a body shot in the fourth round.
In the sixth, the native of Lebac, Sultan Kudarat scored his own knockdown against Verano with left jab-right hand combo. The 25-year old dropped flat on the canvas but used a delaying tactics to grasp some oxygen for extra seconds when he intentionally spit out his mouthpiece.
Referee Warren Jaro warned Verano for his infraction. Verano survived in the round on route to his victory.
Judge Ricardo Canlas and Narciso Martinez saw the fight 116-109 while the third official, Eduardo Nobleza had it 117-111 all for Verano.
In April, Escaner retained the title against Verano with a draw when two judges had it 114-114 and 115-115 while the third judge had it 116-112 in favor of Verano.