Dipolog pug makes rousing debut in Cebu boxing

CEBU, Philippines - The Dipolog City-native Ivan Gahisan immediately made his presence felt here in Cebu with a resounding victory over Gilbert Arceo of Cabancalan, Mandaue in the latest edition of the 4th Mayor Jonas Cortes Cup Amateur Boxing at the Park at the Mandaue City Plaza Square.

Gahisan landed a crushing blow to the head that wobbled Arceo, forcing the referee to stop the contest in the first round, while Jan Ivo Pastidio squeaked past fellow Zamboangeño Nelson Sandal, 2-1, in the other 57 kgs. duel.

Raul Yu, another Mindanao pugilist from Butuan, was not as lucky as Gahisan and Pastidio as he bowed to Negros Oriental’s Jojo Bulanon, 2-1, in the 52 kgs. division.

On the other hand, Richard Barrios of Bais and Rolan Servania of Bacolod hurdled their respective assignments in contrasting fashion.

Barrios scored an impressive 3-0 beating over Cabancalan's Christian Bacolod in the 50 kgs. class, while Servania eked out a 2-1 win over Consolacion’s Ritchie Montealto in the 52 kgs. category.

Of all the Cabancalan entries, only Ferde San Roque emerged victorious as Vicente Seos-e, Jr. earlier lost to Dominique Casañares of Pit-os National High School in the 32 ks. division.

San Roque prevailed over Sanai Boxing Club's Benjie Mantad in their 46 kgs. battle.

Dominique's older brother Ramil Casanares defeated Flores Boxing Club’s Ariel Sibay, while Maguikay’s Gerald Suico completed the winners’ list by clobbering Sanai BC's Patrick Gullane in the 55 kgs. division. —(FREEMAN)