Unintimidated by an opponent 12 pounds heavier than him, Cebuano Cary “The Prince” Bullos crushed the Manila-based Tony Donaire of the Republic Gym in the main event of the Universal Reality Combat Championships (URCC)-Cebu II billed as “Visayan Pride” the other night at the grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
In a sheer display of brute force, Bullos knocked the lights off Donaire in one minute and 23 seconds of the first round.
Unknown to many, Bullos almost backed out of the fight after learning that Donaire did not make the regulatory weight limit in the bantamweight division. But since he was the main event, there was no turning back for him.
“Di na gyud unta ko moduwa, but na-challenge pud ko. Medyo anad na pud nuon kog kontra og mas dako pa nako. Ang akong mga igsoon nga ako pung trainor dako mag pud, so mao tong nipadayon ko,” Bullos said.
As soon as Bullos got into the ring, everyone around had a mixed feelings on the outcome. But the TOP Cebuano combatant showed big fighting heart to finish off his foe in less than two minutes
The Rusco-sponsored Bullos tried to choke Donaire, but was forced to change his strategy because his foe was heavier. He hit Donaire’s head with a powerful round-house kick and followed it up with a back fist that flattened the Manileño fighter.
Bullos then hammered Donaire with a flurry of punches, prompting referee Anthony Peñalosa to wave off the bout.
Thus, the 24-year-old Bullos padded his unbeaten record to 10-0, nine of which by knockout and through submission.
Michael Arquillano, on the other hand, won by walkover over John Armoganda, who failed to comply with the required weight limit.
Another Cebuano bet, Maxlito Yong, pulled a majority decision victory over Bacolod’s Eugene Yongke, while Aaron Paul Guevara won over fellow Cebuano Jonomar Macaraya by submission at 3:23 of the opening round.
It was not all jubilation for the Cebuanos as Demetrio Dela Torre bowed to Gian Vicuna by a unanimous decision, Gian Vicuna lost by a majority decision to Alan Factuba, and Geronimo Etac fell prey to Jet Lumawag via stoppage at 1:58 of the first round.
SEA Games medallist Marcus Valda, for his part, made a rousing URCC debut by forcing Benjie Gloria to throw in the white towel at 1:16 of the first round. He was joined in the winners’ podium by Andrew Benibe,Mike Tabamo, and Charlie Angel, who all won by tap out over separate foes.– Caecent No-ot Magsumbol