3 MP DAVAO BOXERS WIN IN T'BOLI THUNDER 2

PROSPECT. Aries Buenavidez of MP Davao Gym

T’BOLI, South Cotabato – Three upcoming fighters from the MP Davao Gym of 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao scored contrasting wins in the undercard of the “T’boli Thunder 2” last Sunday night at the T’boli covered court here.

Flyweight Aries Buenavidez landed solid body punches to stop Joey Antonio of Empire Boxing Davao Gym during the rest period of the 5^th round of a scheduled 8-rounder bout.

The 21-year old Buenavidez targeted the body of Antonio since the start of the fight. The bodyshots sent Antonio down on his knees in the 4^th round near the corner before he finally decided not to continue during the rest period.

Buenavidez improved his record to 7 wins with 3 knockouts against 2 losses while Antonio dropped to a 3-4-3 win-loss-draw slate.

MP Davao Gym’s Joebert Torrena, on the other hand, connected more punches to score a unanimous decision against light flyweight Mark Glen Antaran in the 4-round curtain raiser.

He knocked down Antaran in the opening round and could have won by a knockout after bombarding Antaran with combinations at the corner in the 3^rd round. But referee Ronnie Mondejar only gave Antaran a mandatory 8-count instead of finally stopping the fight.

It was Torrena’s second straight win.

Joel Lino (6-0-, ) also of MP Davao Gym remained undefeated after scoring a majority decision over Ramil Antaran in their 6-rounder light flyweight match.

Judges Jimmy Mata (60-54) and Sabas Ponpon (58-56) both gave it to Lino while judge Romy Fordaliza saw it a tie at 57-all.

“Masaya ako at nanalo silang tatlo dito pa sa probinsya nila mismo,” said MP Davao Gym chief trainer and manager Raides “Nonoy” Neri.

Buenavidez is a native of Norala while the 21-year old Lino is from Koronadal City. Torrena hails from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat