DUNO TAKES HOME WBO BELT, AVENGES GESTA LOSS

By Sanman Boxing

Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California: Filipino lightweight prospect Romero “Ruthless” Duno, now W20 KO15 L1 D0, is the new WBO NABO LIGHTWEIGHT title as he wins a ninth round technical decision win against Juan Antonio “Mozo” Rodriguez (W30 KO27 L7 D0). The event was presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN.

It was a very tough fight with both warriors throwing solid punches but with Duno clearly landing the more damaging shots. Head butts and low blows were called and Rodriguez was cut from an accidental head butt.

The brave Mexican was checked in the ninth round if he can continue and he told the ringside physician that he had difficulty with his vision. As such the fight was stopped and the referee went to the judges score cards which read 85-84 and 86-83 in favor of Duno and 85-84 for Rodriguez thus awarding Duno with the technical split decision victory.

It was a huge victory for Duno although he didn’t appear so satisfied with the outcome. “I feel good. Thanks for all who came to watch. Props to team Rodriguez for the great fight. It was a usual Filipino vs Mexicano thriller. He hurt me at times but I hurt him more.

This is not the ideal outcome that I wanted but anything can happen inside the ring. Besides a win is still a win and I’m happy to bring home this belt to the Philippines. This win is for my family especially for my daughter, my Sanman team and for my countrymen. Thanks Golden Boy. DAZN and Sanman for this opportunity”, Duno said.

The gracious Rodriguez was humble enough to accept the results. “Duno was the better man. After all the low blows and head butts I believe he won. I was asked if I could see and I told them I was having a hard time so they stopped the fight. “

Duno’s manager and Sanman CFO Dexter Tan was happy about the win. “This paves a way to a world title shot for Duno. We will do our best to arrange it with the help of Golden Boy. Duno trained hard. He should be given credit. It was not our desired result but things happen in boxing and the kid did enough to secure the win”, Tan said.