Bardon's punching savvy did not escape the scrutinizing eyes of Yoly Tuadles, the Philippine representative of Stein Promotions, who expressed this early her intent to hook up Bardon with the US-based promotional outfit owned by Jewish-American lawyer Andrew M. Stein.
"I'm really impressed with him (Bardon). He's a very good boxer. He moves gracefully and punches accurately. I'm interested in getting him, but of course we have to talk things over first with his manager Rex "Wakee" Salud," said Tuadles.
It was a one-sided battle with Bardon peppering Mandahinog with solid shots right after the opening bell, including a right straight to the chin that sent the Mindanao brawler down on both knees late in the first round.
Mandahinog survived the count, but was again flattened by Bardon with a solid right hand midway in the third round.
The Bukidnon-based fighter quickly stood up, but Bardon, smelling victory, went for the kill by letting loose a wicked left uppercut to the jaw that sent the hapless Mandahinog flat on the mat, prompting referee Teddy Alivio to wave off the bout at the 2:49 mark of the third round.
It was a prophesy fulfilled for Bardon who boldly declared during the pre-fight news conference last Friday at the Baseline Restaurant that he will knock out Mandahinog within five rounds.
In the supporting main event, RP top welterweight contender Ramil Caballes decked Boy Nituda of Bukidnon at 1:55 of the first round, while Jerope Mercado came up with the biggest shocker of the night when he stopped Cagayan de Oro City's Ricky Escaner at 1:29 of the third round.
The RWS Stable ring gladiators actually completed a 6-0 sweep as Jomar Labiogo earlier frustrated Carcar's hometown pride Octavio Aleonar by unanimous decision, Abner Llanasa beat Elvin Lano, and Gedion Amba defeated Jerom Bontog by split verdict.
In the amateur bouts spicing up the slambang affair held in partnership with RWS Promotions International and supported by Carcar Mayor Patrick Barcenas, Edmar Tuñacao of J & E Gym pulverized Franklin Undaloc of Barili, while Bryan Yaswa of Cordova, Cebu crushed Ronil Caballes of Cebu City.
Carcar's only consolation was its hometown bet Jonathan Nacua, who pounded Barili's Crisente Cañete.
"This is just our first promotion and I'm very satisfied with its outcome. I must admit though we still have a lot of things to learn in this kind of business," said Tuadles, who reiterated their promotion in Carcar is their initial step in head-hunting for potential Filipino boxers and eventually open the door for them to a more lucrative career in the US.