No Mongolian had ever fought on local shores before so there was a shroud of mystery surrounding the invasion of welterweight Baira Kim and lightflyweight Yura Dima.
What made fans curious, if not wary, was the Mongolians’ reputation as irrepressible warriors.
Both Mongolians are now based in South Korea where they enjoy a huge fan following. In fact, over 10 Koreans flew in to watch Kim go up against World Boxing Foundation (WBF) International welterweight champion Rey Pelonia and Dima battle WBF International flyweight titlist Sukarno (Master Showman) Banjao. And about 300 Koreans in all were at ringside to witness the fireworks.
Dima, 27, proved to be as tough as nails. His credentials were impressive. Among his victims were former world champion Ratanapol Sor Vorapin of Thailand, Masaki Kawabata of Japan and Filipino Ramil Anito.
International referee Ver Abainza said he worked two Pan Asian Boxing Association (PABA) title fights involving Dima and knew Banjao was in for trouble. In 1998, Dima decisioned Phises Vor Surapol of Thailand to win the PABA lightflyweight crown in China. A year later, he lost the title to Denkaosen Kaovichit on points in Krabi, Thailand.
Banjao, coming off three straight knockout wins, was a picture of confidence when the fight started. He mocked Dima with his clowning antics, shuffling his feet, dropping both hands down his sides, sticking out his jaw and breaking out into a wide grin. It was as if Dima had no chance of beating Banjao.
Both fighters traded hard blows from the opening bell. It was a war of attrition. Neither Banjao nor Dima took a step back.
Banjao, 26, was slightly ahead on points when the bell rang for the final round. Dima probably realized the only way to win was to score a knockout because hometown judges would never favor an invader in a close fight. He harpooned Banjao with jarring left straights and finally, scored a knockdown with a flurry to the head. Banjao got up on rubbery legs. Dima charged in for the kill and decked Banjao once more. This time, Banjao wouldn’t get up and referee Ferdie Estrella didn’t bother to count.
Dima, showing the heart of a gladiator, registered a thrilling come-from-behind stoppage at 2:28 of the 10th. Banjao, who appeared to take Dima lightly and showboated most of the way, was booed by the crowd when he left the ring.
Banjao could’ve won if he only took Dima a little more seriously.
Kim, 24, stretched Pelonia to the limit. They slugged it out for 10 rounds and both were exhausted in the end. Kim was a bloody mess. Pelonia, 32, opened a cut over his left eye with a vicious right in the eighth round and for a while, it looked like Kim wouldn’t be allowed to continue. But Kim pleaded to go on and referee Bruce McTavish didn’t have the heart to stop it.
Both Kim and Pelonia absorbed tremendous punishment in the grueling battle. Kim’s mouth was bloodied and crimson spewed out of his cut. Pelonia was battered and bruised. They tore at each other like pit bull terriers in a dogfight. There was no let-up in the action.
In a testament to their durability, Pelonia and Kim were never floored. They took as much as they gave and never backed off.
Pelonia walked away with the unanimous decision. Ricardo Canlas saw it 98-93, Narciso Martinez 99-91 and Antonio Agus 98-92. The judges were too generous to Pelonia as the fight was much closer than their scorecards reflected.
The seven fights in the undercard all ended inside the distance, giving the fans plenty to cheer about.
In the supporting main event, Baby Lorona, Jr. withstood some shaky moments to knock out slugger Joebar Damosmog at 2:57 of the sixth. A crushing left straight sent Damosmog down on the seat of his pants. Damosmog scrambled to his feet but was clearly in no condition to continue, prompting Abainza to step in.
In other bouts, World Boxing Council No. 3 lightflyweight Juanito Rubillar halted Flash Simbajon at 0:56 of the eighth, unbeaten Rey Labao blitzed Ferdie Zagado at 0:52 of the first, Jherwin Abaigar stopped Jouie Herrero at 1:14 of the third, Ronilo Sermona blasted Ali Caparoso at 1:15 of the second, Eric Broncano bombed out Jovy Credo at 1:39 of the third and R. J. Irigan crushed Jessie Caballes at 1:08 of the fourth.
Mandaluyong Mayor Neptali (Boyet) Gonzales and Jemah TV conspired with Elorde to stage the goodwill boxing show "for world peace." The Seosan Full Gospel Church in Korea was a primary sponsor.
If you like non-stop boxing action, don’t fail to watch the Philippines vs Mongolia fights on IBC-13 this Sunday from 8 to 10:30 p.m.