Laguna, Sumabong overcome foes in Pacquiao birthday boxing show

CEBU - RWS Stable ring gladiators Roel Laguna and Rodulfo Sumabong were being pushed to the limit before eking out split decision victories over separate foes in last Tuesday’s Manny Pacquiao birthday boxing card at the Oval Plaza in General Santos City.

Laguna (10-2-2, 6KOs) was made worth extra harder before taming former Philippine super bantamweight champion Jake Verano, while Sumabong toiled hard over 10 rounds to stretch his undefeated record to 8-0 (3KOs) with a split decision win over Richard Olisa.

Light flyweight upstart Ryan Tampus of Bato, Leyte recorded the shortest fight of the night as he needed just 56 seconds to dispose off Arnold Pasaylo.

In the other abbreviated bouts, Jether Oliva flattened Rodel Tejares in 42 seconds of round two, Alvin Baez knocked out Jun Ebale at 1:38 of round five, while Ernie Fontanilla scored a fourth round stoppage of Elmar Francisco at 2:44 of round four.

Also, Esrael Salud dished out a spectacular first round KO of Roland Tumala at the 1:31 mark, even as John Ugbaniel decked Romulo Ramayan at 2:35 of round four.

The rest of the results saw Ryan Makiputin and Jetly Purisima winning both by unanimous decision over Robert Orot and Romart Sentillas, respectively.

The free-to-the-public show was promoted by RWS Promotions International of Cebuano topnotch promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud in association with MP Promotions of the world’s pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. – EBV   (THE FREEMAN)