Flores Awarded Split Technical Decision Victory Over Peñalosa; Claims IBO World Title

By Carlos Costa

MANILA, Philippines — Mexican Maximino “Max” Flores (25-4-1, 17 KO’s) was awarded a close split technical decision win over Filipino Carlo “Too Sharp” Peñalosa (14-2, 7 KO’s) to claim the vacant IBO Flyweight World Title Sunday evening, August 25, at the TV5 Studios in Quezon City, Metro Manila, a rumble watched live on ESPN5 Philippines.

The hard-fought battle — already one of the most controversial, talked about world title fights this year in the Philippines — saw an aggressive, coming-forward Mexican brawler pressing the action to close quarters against the retrieving Peñalosa fighting from a distance, scoring effective left straights throughout fierce war.

This cut caused the halting of actions, requiring scorecards to determine the winner

The battle reached its climax when a non-intentional headbutt during a furious exchange opened an ugly gash over Peñalosa’s left eye (see photo), bursting blood from the Filipino, accelerating heart rates in and out of the ring.

The seriousness of the cut prompted veteran Australian referee Garry Dean to halt actions during the rough skirmishes of chapter seven, requiring judges scorecards to define the winner.

Australian Adam Height scored a close 67-66 for the Mexican. The second judge from New Zealand Kevin Pyne scored 67-66 for the Filipino.

Then, Filipino judge Jerrold Tomeldan, scored 68-65 for the Mexican, handing victory to Mexican Maximino Flores.