Palawan pugs sizzle in opener

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — Local bet Christopher Fernandez regaled home crowd as he overcame a sluggish start with a third round knockdown of Ruben Trasa of Arena-Quezon City in the 2003 National Open Men and Women Boxing Championship at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum here.

Back in the ring after a four-year hiatus from the sport, the 16-year-old flyweight took solid blows in the first two rounds that almost took the wind out of him. But the 1999 Southern Tagalog Regional Athletic Association (STRAA) meet bronze medalist rallied with a jarring straight that sent Trasa crashing down with 1.12 minutes left in the third round.

The glassy-eyed Trasa, his legs still wobbly, tried to get back on his feet after the mandatory eight count but Fernandez, taking no chances, unleashed a left-right combination to score another knockdown en route to an RSC-O victory.

"Noong una, parang hindi ko na makaya yung suntok niya (Trasa) sa katawan ko pero nabuhayan ako dahil marami ang nagchee-cheer para sa akin kaya nabuhayan ako ng loob," said Fernandez, who is representing the Palawan team of Gov. Joel Reyes.

Another Palawan bet, 18-year-old Benjo Estefano, also made his presence felt by edging Roberto Caballes of Mandaluyong City, 40-37, in this week-long event serving as one of a series of qualifiers for slots in the national team.

Team Palawan coach Danny Caabay said he is impressed with his team’s good start and credited this to Reyes’ all-out support.

Not to be outdone, Puerto Princesa bet and first timer Jimmy Ambray debuted with a bang as he eliminated Arena-Quezon City’s Ronnie Astano, 50-46.

Other flyweight division winners were Zamboanga del Norte’s Rolando Abatay and Airman Rico Laput. Abatay bested Armyman Mark de Asis, 40-36, while Laput downed Sorsogon’s Randy Escanilla in the 1.25 mark of the third round.

Winning in the bantamweight section were Navyman Jerope Mercado, La Union’s Bon Refuerzo, Baguio City’s Jefferson Linay, Cebu’s Roel Macario, Arena’s Kim Monsate and Zamboanga City’s Anthony Marcial.