Cebu pugs keep sizzling charge in ABAP elims

KANANGA, Leyte, Philippines — Kids aged 11-12 years old took centerstage in Tuesday evening’s elimination round of the 1st Smart/ABAP Area Boxing Tournament at the Kananga Municipal Gym in this town.

Ronald Ellenasc of Northern Samar scored the most impressive win of his age group via Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) at 30 second of the first round to make the semis in the 29 kgs. class.

Margarito Moya of Cebu City also tallied an equally impressive win as he blanked Jade Acuna of Bacolod City, 12-0, in their 31 kgs 3-round bout. Ryan James Flores of Bago City decisioned Jeory Amante of Bacolod City, 17-6, to advance to the next round of the 29 kgs. event, while Melmark Dignos (28Kg) of Cebu and Raymary Alera (35Kg) of Bago City came out winners via walk over as respective foes Gerald Pangkarutan and Danny Quinalona failed to show up.

School Boys campaigner Juren Labordo saved the day for his younger Bacolod teammates as he won on points (20-7) over Ardie Boyose of powerhouse Cebu City-A, while Vilmark Dignos left the ring a winner via walkover over a no-show Robert Ellinas of Northern Samar.

The lone battle in the Junior Boys category fought at 48 kgs. saw Jhonriel Maugro scoring an upset by stopping Gerry Mancio of Cebu City-B at 1:15 of the opening round.

Stoppages also dominated the Youth Boys class with Adriano Pescante of Cebu City needing two rounds to score an RSC over Junrey Redondo of Ormoc City-A, while fellow 45Kg campaigner Martin Cordova of Bago City made short work of Rogelio Pepito of Ormoc-A with an RSC at 1:49 of the first round.

In the heavier 54 kgs. division, Julito Tuastumban of Cebu City-A dominated Edmon Lachica of Manapla, Negros Occidental from the opening bell and eventually scoring an RSC at 1:20 of the 4th canto. Another 54Kg campaigner Timoteo Altubar of Cebu City-B settled for a 15-8 points win over Leoni Bordeos of Northern Samar.

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP), headed by its chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and president Ricky Vargas, supervised and organized the event.

Overseeing the Visayas elimination is ABAP executive director Ed Picson who traces his roots from nearby city Tacloban and the town of Hindang in Leyte. Secretary General Patrick Gregorio is scheduled to arrive today in Ormoc City to witness the championship bouts of each divisions.

The semifinal bouts, meanwhile were, scheduled as of this writing last night at the Ormoc city Plaza with the scenic Ormoc Bay serving as backdrop. –THE FREEMAN