2 PINOY PUGS BOW TO JAPANESE RIVALS IN NEW YEAR

Boxer Junuel Lacar shown in the hospital with matchmaker Warren Elliot (extreme left) and lady boxing promoter-manager Ace Mendoza (center).

TWO Filipino boxers bowed to their Japanese rivals during the eve of the New Year celebration at the Ota-City General Gym in Tokyo, Japan.

Junuel Lacar of MP Highland Boxing Gym was stopped in the 3^rd round by undefeated Hiroto Kyoguchi in 46 seconds of the 3^rd round.

The 24-year old Lacar was rushed to the hospital by lady boxing manager-promoter Ace Mendoza and matchmaker Warren Elliot.

Lacar suffered his 4^th defeat and 3^rd knockout loss against 7 wins and 3 draws while the 23-year old Kyouchi scored his 5^th straight victory and knockout.

Light flyweight Vincent Bautista also dropped a unanimous decision to another Japanese Masataka Taniguchi in their 6-rounder bout. Taniguchi improved his record to 6 wins and no loss while Bautista suffered his 6^th defeat against 5 wins and 3 draws.

Meanwhile, Jezreel Corrales of Panama retained his WBA Super World super featherweight crown by a split decision over former champion Takashi Uchiyama in their rematch in the main event.

Judges Philippe Verbeke (117-110) and Cesar Ramos (115-112) both scored it for Corrales while judge Derek Milham (113-114) gave it to Uchiyama.

In the main supporting bout, Ryoichi Taguchi also kept his WBA World light flyweight title only by a split draw with Carlos Canizales in his 5^th title defense.

Judge Milham saw it 116-112 for Canizales while judge Octavio Rodriguez gave it to Taguchi at 116-112. Judge Verbeke scored it 114-all.

Masayuki Ito successfully defended his OPBF super featherweight title in his 3^rd defense by a UD against Takuya Watanabe.