WBC # 1 Light Flyweight Jonathan Taconing Dominates Vince Paras, Retains WBC Int'l Strap in Manila, Philippines

By Carlos Costa

PARAÑAQUE, Metro Manila — In exciting no-quarters blow-by-blow 12-round battle, more experienced WBC # 1 Light Flyweight Jonathan Taconing scored a unanimous decision win over young gun Vince Paras to retain his WBC International 108-pound strap Saturday (Sep 22) at Elorde Sports Complex here in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Taconing (28-3-1. 22 KO’s), born in Zamboanga del Norte, made good use of his superior boxing skills to control the speed and willingness of Vince Paras who displayed good boxing skills and slick moves, though not quite enough to damage Taconing, 31, who was accurate, precise and in control.

In addition, Taconing, a former world-title challenger, made it clear to fans in attendance that his blows carried more TNT than the ones of his younger opponent. Still, despite the high volume of power punches thrown and landed, none of the warriors went through serious danger of being stopped, and none was rocked down to the canvas, though Vince Paras (13-2, 11 KO’s) ended the war with a small cut over his right eye, a product of a non-intentional headbutt.

The fourth round was the most intense chapter with both warriors firing-up the square ring with a thrilling, intense, fighting sequence that made fans stand from their seats, Vince Paras taking the best part and surely taking the round as well, one of the few he won.

However, by the next round, the fury calmed down one click, though still the action continued highly entertaining with both warriors displaying quality boxing till the end of the 12th stanza when both boxers embrace in recognition of the other’s effort and talent.

With the clear unanimous decision win, Jonathan Taconing – handled by Filipino star promoters Johnny and Liza Elorde – inches up closer to another world title shot at the belt currently owned by undefeated Japanese Ken Shiro (13-0, 7 KO’s).

The third man in charge of the action was veteran international referee Ferdinand Estrella. Judges Virgilio Garcia, Gil R. Co and Gregorio Ortega. Supervisor for the WBC was GAB Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra.

MORE RESULTS FROM MANILA, PHILIPPINES

In the card’s co-feature, undefeated 23 year-old striker Marlon Paniamogan (8-0-1, 5 KO’s) of Surigao del Norte and tough southpaw Jerwin Mejes (4-3-5, 3 KO’s) of the Fili Sports Academy in Camerines Sur battled their way to a split draw for their hot 8-rounder in the Lightweight Division. Both men were game throughout the stirring action-packed rumble with Paniamogan showcasing more refined boxing skills moving around and throwing a good variety of punches with Mejes displaying coming-forward frontal attacks.

Whats more, Elorde fighter Arvin Magramo (8-1-1, 5 KO’s) lost his unbeaten record in a razor-thin split decision to Garen Diagan (5-1, 2 KO’s) of the Dela Pena Boxing Stable in General Santos City. One judge saw the fight 77-75 for Magramo, while the other two scoring 77-75 for the winner Garen Diagan. The fight was good, and both southpaws, Magramo, 21, and Diagan, 22, might want to do it again.

In super bantamweights, 18 year-old Aklan-born fighter Delmar Pellio (5-0, 3 KO’s) of the Elorde Boxing Stable scored a unanimous decision victory over Remon Basas (3-2, 2 KO’s) of Masbate over their 6-chapter saga that entertained fans with their non-stop action. At the end of hostilities, the three judges at ringside saw the clash 60-54 in favor of Pellio, who kept his unbeaten record intact while moving his boxing career forward.

In a battle of rookies, Elorde light flyweight warrior Albert Francisco of Zamboanga City, fighting out of the red corner, started his pro boxing career with a unanimous decision win gotten by outclassing fellow newcomer Maico Fernandez of the MUMMA Boxing Stable of San Antonio in Makati City. Francisco made it clear that he was the superior boxer, bombing Fernandez with solid, hurtful combinations, one of them rocking Fernandez down to the blue canvas in the second stanza. At the end, Francisco claim the unanimous decision win.

In bantamweights, Christian Tulayao (2-1, 1 KO) was too much for unheralded Reynante Gono (1-8, 1 KO) of Batangas knocking him our in two chapters. In the opening stanza, the more compose and devastating Christian Tulayo of Caloocan City unleashed a vicious body attack that immediately gassed out Gono sending him to the canvas in pain. The brave Gono made it to the bell, but at the turn of the page the torment proceeded with even more intensity, forcing Gono down and out in round two.

The evening’s non-title Fights are watched over by Games and Amusement Board (GAB) supervisor Tony Comia. In attendance during the exciting evening of boxing was GAB Chairman Baham Mitra, as well as promoters Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde and Arlene Elorde.

The event was another successful promotion of prolific Filipino power couple Johnny Elorde and wife Liza Elorde, in cooperation with the Rotary Club Manila Premier.

The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a Boxing Reporter based in Cebu, Philippines. He attended this boxing event in Manila. Carlos can be reached by email: Carlos512@hotmail.com and Whatsapp: +639184538152.