Domingo stakes title against Lear tonight

Fresh from a morale-boosting win over Mexican Alejandro Felix Montiel, Philippine bantamweight champion Michael Domingo of SGG Stable hopes to sustain his momentum as he defends his crown against former ALA standout Johnny Lear today at the Metropolis Mall in Ayala Alabang.

Domingo knocked down Montiel in the first round before finishing off the hapless Mexican with a flurry of punches in the seventh round in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao-Oscar Larios showdown last July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum.

"I will give my best to win and keep my belt, but if there's a chance I'm going to finish the bout early, I will," said Domingo.

The Sultan Kudarat-native Domingo will make the third defense of the title he wrested by dethroning Joel Bauya via a controversial split decision on July 20 last year at the San Andres Sports and Civic Center in Manila.

Domingo, carrying a 25-13-3 (11KOs) record, but is 8-0 under the guidance of international promoter Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani for two years now, previously kept his belt by stopping Roger Galicia in the ninth round last February 3 at Larga Pedrista in Quezon City.

Curiously, Galicia beat Lear by fifth round technical decision to wrest the WBC International bantamweight title on March 15, 2003 at Luneta Park in Intramuros, Manila.

Domingo, however, must be extra cautious as Lear is on a hot comeback trail, winning five straight fights under the stewardship of Charlie Gamboa.

Lear's latest victim was Daniel Diolan, whom the Guadalupe, Cebu City fighter edged out by unanimous decision over 10 rounds last April 22.