GARDE CAPTURES WBF ASIA PACIFIC LIGHT FLY TITLE

T’BOLI, South Cotabato (March 13) – Arnold Garde of Davao City scored a knockdown in the 10^th and final round to win by a majority decision against early-favorite Ronnie Tanallon and captured the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Asia Pacific light flyweight crown Sunday night at the T’boli municipal covered court.

Tanallon was about to escape already by a decision going to the final round. But Tanallon was knockdown in the last 10 seconds of the 10^th round.

Judges Jaime Mata (95-94) and Sabas Ponpon Jr. (96-93) scored it in favour of Garde while judge Romy Fordaleza saw it 95-94 for Tanallon.

Tanallon was seem going to win the final round as he landed more punches against Garde. But in the last 10 seconds, Garde was able to connect a right upper cut to send Tanallon down on his knees.

Time had expired after referee Ramuel Ovalo completed his mandatory 8-count. But that was only the punch that Garde had needed to turn back the judges’ final scores. A knockdown is equal to a 10-8 score. Tanallon could have won the fight also by a majority decision if he had won the 10^th round.

“Disgrasya. Meron talagang ganyan sa boxing,” said Tanallon trainer Dodong Desabille of Sanman Boxing Gym.

Garde, 26, jumped for joy after ring announcer Marlou Neri announced him as the winner by majority decision. He received a belt awarded by T’boli Vice Mayor Grace Silva, who was assisted by WBF Supervisor Lito delos Reyes.

Garde, also reigning Minproba light flyweight title-holder improved his record to 8 wins with 4 losses, 2 draws and 3 knockouts while 23-year old Tanallon, a former Philippine Boxing Federation minimumweight champion, dropped to 10-4-1, 2 KOs.

In the main supporting bout, Markquil Salvana also of Sanman landed solid body punches to knockout JP Macadumpis in the first round and capture the vacant PBF featherweight crown.

The boxing card, dubbed as the “T’boli Thunder 3” was presented by Sanman Promotions and the T’boli Municipal Government under Mayor Dibu Tuan as part of its 19th Seslong Festival and 43rd Foundation Anniversary.