Semillano's KO ruled foul blow

SANTANDER, Spain -- Larry Semillano's fists of fury proved nothing as he lost not to his foe but to the jury Monday night as Team Caltex Philippines stumbled in the opener of the 2000 Boxam International Championships here.

Spanish referee Rafael Ibañez ruled it a clear knockout in the third round but the jury composed of elderly Europeans saw it a low blow, making Tunisia's Driss Melki winner by disqualification over the Filipino Sydney Olympic qualifier.

The loss left Team Caltex supported by Adidas, Philippine Sports Commission and Pacific Heights with five boxers. Romeo Brin (67 kgs) debuts against Spain's Isidro Goya Tuesday night at the La Albericia Pavilion.

"It was very painful," said a teary-eyed Semillano, as he slumped in the dressing room. Before the jury overruled Ibañez, the Bago City native was in command with stinging combinations to the body.

The announcement of the verdict was greeted with thunderous boos from the spectators. Filipino mentor Boy Velasco and Greg Caliwan dug deep into their pockets to file the $100 protest fee. Countless replays from the video camera owned by Cuban mentor Raul Fernandez Liranza showed it was a legitimate, solid blow to the body.

"The Tunisian should be given an acting award. He was smiling during the announcement as if nothing happened. Before, he was writhing in pain holding his crotch," Caliwan said.