Bantayan Island pugilists sizzle in Cortes slugfest

CEBU, Philippines - The visiting pugilists from Bantayan Island showed a lot of promise as six out of their eight entries emerged victorious in October’s opening leg of the Mayor Jonas Cortes Boxing at the Park Amateur Series at the Mandaue City Plaza Square.

The Bantayanons posted three straight wins courtesy of 24 kgs. Ian Villanueva, 30 kgs. Danilo Cabuga and 34 kgs. Mac Jimenez. Villanueva completely dominated Cabancalan Elementary School’s Rafael de la Cruz, Danilo Kabuga stunned Flores Boxing Club’s Junreil Econg, while Mac Jimenez mauled Banilad’s Angelu Capta.

Daryl Desamparado further beefed up Bantayan’s impressive campaign along with Zalde Aroa and Christian Apawan in sterling fashion. Desamparado beat Cabancalan’s Reoxyl Tabogon to the pul in the 48 kgs. division, Aroa scored a 3-0 whitewash of Wenceslao Gakit of Fil-Australian Boxing Club in their 52 kgs. duel , and Apawan clobbered FBC’s Juan Aparece in the 54 kgs. class.

Two of their comrades though fumbled at the hands of a tougher opposition from Cabancalan NHS. Ryan Villacampa fell prey to Ronald Velasquez by a hairline, 1-2, in the 38 kgs., while Desamparado bowed to Wendel Acharon in the 46 kgs. category.

Two other out-of-town simonpures in Joedel Talle of Bato, Leyte and Joseph Ebalang of Cagayan de Oro caught part of the spotlight. Talle outsmarted PABC’s Raymund Fermin in the other 48 kgs. bout, while Ebalang tamed CNHS’ Michael Romarate in the 54 kgs. class.

In the other matches of this ALA Boxing and Fitness Gym-organized event, PABC’s Rason Tarona spanked FBC’s Rommel Tuñacao in the 28 kgs., while CNHS’ Ferde San Roque battered Tuñacao’s teammate Marvin Liansa in their 48 kgs. face-off. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol   (FREEMAN NEWS)