Mayol decisions Mexican

LAS VEGAS – Rodel Mayol, the former world champion from Mandaue City, scored a majority victory over Mexico’s Javier Gallo Saturday evening at the MGM Grand.

Fighting in the undercard, Mayol showed what champions are made of. He was clearly the better fighter all throughout their scheduled 10-rounder in the super-flyweight class.

Mayol won in the eyes of two judges, Jerry Roth (98-92) and Lisa Giampa (98-92) while the third judge, CJ Ross, scored it even at 95-95.

The 29-year-old Mayol worked hard for the victory that could set him up for another shot at the world title.

Mayol started strong and worked well with his left, landing a jab, a hook and an uppercut to have caught the attention of the judges.

In the closing minute the Filipino grazed Gallo’s face with a right uppercut, but took a right cross to the side of his head before the bell.

But the native of Tijuana bounced back in the second round, landing his own good shots, a left hook and a stiff jab to even things up.

The third round was marked by a very good exchange from both fighters, who threw so many punches that by the end they were breathing heavily.

The third round was tough to call.

Mayol kept it that way even as Gallo landed good shots of his own. At the end of the fifth round, there seemed to be blood coming out of the Mexican’s nose.

Sensing that he was behind, Gallo pressed his attack in the succeeding rounds, but Mayol showed good head and body movement.

Mayol didn’t throw a lot of punches, but he knew when to throw them.

The sixth round was another good one for the Filipino, and it was clear that he had his opponent under control. He waited for the opportunity to take Gallo out until the end.

But it never came.

When the referee, Tony Meeks, raised his hands in victory, he smiled.

You knew he was happy.