Cuatro loses his IBF minimumweight title

By Lito delos Reyes

Orthodox Rene Mark “Mighty Mouse” Cuatro of Zamboanga del Norte lost his International Boxing Federation minimumweight title by a split decision Daniel “Cejitas” Valladares of Mexico at Deportivo Revolución de San Nicolás de los Garza in Monterey, Mexico Friday night (Saturday in Manila).

The 25-year-old Cuatro got the score of 114-113 but Valladares had the nod of 116-111 and 115-112.

According to a report by the Mexican media, Valladares suffered two cuts courtesy of Cuatro’s power punches but used his longer reach to control the fight.

Cuatro now has three loses with 20 wins and two draws while the 28-year-old Valladares improved to 26 wins, 3 loses, 1 draw with 15 knockouts.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons said that he wanted a rematch.

“We feel like we absolutely won the fight. The referee had a bad night. He’s usually a good referee, but he made some bad calls,” Gibbons said.

Cuatro’s loss has left the Philippines with only one world champion in Mark ‘Magnifico’ Magsayo.

Magsayo meanwhile will defend his WBC featherweight belt this weekend in San Antonio, Texas against the dangerous former world champion and fellow undefeated Rey Vargas of Mexico.