Another one bites dust

MANILA, Philippines — Toto Landero became the fourth Filipino challenger to lose in a world title fight this year after failing to dethrone WBA minimumweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong who retained his crown on a unanimous 12-round verdict in Chonburi, Thailand, last Tuesday. Landero, 22, followed in the footsteps of Mercito Gesta, Brian Viloria and Ernesto Saulong who all lost decisions in world title bids since the turn of the year.

There was no question Niyomtrong, also known as Knockout CP Freshmart, deserved the win. Landero, the WBA’s No. 12 contender, had a brief moment of success when he stunned Niyomtrong with a counter left hook in the fourth round but otherwise, it was a dominant performance by the Thai. The three neutral judges – Takeshi Shimakawa of Japan, Octavio Rodriguez of Panama and Ferlin Marsh of New Zealand – submitted scores of 119-110, 115-113 and 117-111. Referee was Texas’ Rafael Ramos who worked IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas’ recent knockout win over Mexico’s Israel Gonzalez in Corpus Christi and Niyomtrong’s previous fight, a decision over Filipino Rey Loreto last July.

It was the unbeaten Niyomtrong’s fourth defense of the title. The Thai raised his record to 17-0, with 7 KOs while Landero’s card dipped to 10-2-2, with 2 KOs. Despite the lopsided win, Niyomtrong’s trainer Chatchai Sasakul castigated the Thai for looking rusty and sloppy. Sasakul was disappointed at Niyomtrong’s lack of aggressiveness in going for a knockout. Sasakul was the same Thai Olympian whom Manny Pacquiao flattened in the eighth round to wrest the WBC flyweight crown in Phuttamonthon, Thailand, in 1998.

“Ang bagal ni Landero sa laban,” said international referee Ver Abainza. “Sayang ang pagkakataon to fight for a world title which is rare. Maybe, nanibago si Landero kasi it was his first fight abroad. Hindi lumabas ang galing niya.” Abainza, who has worked fights involving Niyomtrong and Landero, said the Filipino could’ve won if only he brought his A-game into the ring. 

“Ang tawag kay Niyomtrong sa Thailand ‘Little Pacquiao,’” said Abainza. “Sabi ko kay Landero before the fight, paspasan niya kaagad kasi slow starter yung Thai at huwag siya magpapa-corner. Walang depensa si Niyomtrong kaya madaling tamaan. But kulang sa suntok si Landero, kagaya ng nangyari kay Saulong noong natalo siya ni Ryosuke Iwasa sa Japan last week.”

Abainza said Niyomtrong isn’t as skilled as Vic Saludar whom Landero beat on a split decision last year. “Asintado si Saludar at tinalo siya ni Landero kaya hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa kaniya sa Thailand,” said Abainza. Before facing Saludar, Abainza watched Landero spar with WBA No. 5 lightflyweight Jonathan Taconing at the Elorde gym in Sucat and was impressed. “Ang galing ni Landero sa sparring,” he said. “I knew someday, he would fight for a world title.”

With Landero blowing his chance, Abainza said there are three other Filipinos in the WBA top 15 105-pound ratings – No. 6 Loreto, No. 10 Pedro Taduran and No. 14 Robert Paradero – in line for a title crack. He said Taduran, the reigning Philippine champion, is the most promising contender with a 12-1 record, including 9 KOs. Taduran’s only loss was a split six-round decision to Joey Lino in M’lang in 2016. Paradero has a 16-0 record, with 11 KOs. Both Taduran and Paradero are 21. Loreto, 27, is a former IBO lightflyweight titlist with a 24-14 record, including 16 KOs. He lost to Niyomtrong on points last year.