LULU, SINGH ARE NEW LUZPROBA CHAMPIONS

NEW CHAMPION. Games and Amusements Board Chairman Abraham Khalil “Baham” Mitra (3rd from right) raising the hand of newly-crowned LUZPROBA super bantamweight champion Ralph Jhon “Bomber” Lulu in the main event of “The Road to Glory” held August 13 at the Makati Square Fitness Arena in Makati City. Also in photo are (from right) referee Vic Garcia, Professional Boxing Association of Thailand Chairman Naris Singwancha and international promoter Brico Santig. (Photo by LITO DELOS REYES)

By LITO DELOS REYES

MANILA, Philippines (Aug. 14) – Super bantamweight Ralph Jhon “Bomber” Lulu and junior middleweight Prabjhjot “Punjabi Lion” Singh scored contrasting wins to both remain undefeated and became the new champions of their respective divisions in the Luzon Professional Boxing Association (Luzproba) last Saturday night in “The Road to Glory” boxing promotion at the Makati Square Fitness Arena.

Using his reach advantage, Lulu landed more jabs and punches to win via a split decision against Junjie Lauza in the main event.

The 25-year old Lulu of Bulacan kept Lauza at bay with his stinging jabs and good defense to earn his 12^th straight win against no loss and two draws. Lauza of Cavite dropped to 4 wins, 17 losses and 2 draws.

Singh of the MP Boxing Gym in Manila landed a solid right cross to knock down Jason “Boy Tako” Catalino of La Trinidad, Benguet in the first round.

“Singh has improved a lot already since he was handled by his new trainer Allan Alegria,” said promoter Brico Santig.

Alegria, a former Philippine junior welterweight and welterweight champion, worked as a trainer in China before he came home three months ago.

“I would like to thank my new trainer Coach Allan for helping me improve my boxing skills,” said the 5-foot-8 Indian, who was born in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

The 24-year old Singh first hit Catalino with a right straight early in the opening round. Referee Sammy Bernabe gave a mandatory 8-count as Catalino was still dizzy while standing.

The fight was continued but was immediately stopped by Bernabe after Singh again hurt Catalino with left-right combinations on the body.

It was Catalino’s third defeat against two wins.

Games and Amusements Board Chairman Abraham Khalil “Baham” Mitra awarded the trophies to the two new Luzproba champions. He was assisted by Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PBAT) Chairman Naris Singwancha, GAB Chief Dr. Nasser Cruz and Santig.

GAB Chairman Baham Mitra (extreme right) awards the trophy to new LUZPROBA junior middleweight champion Prabjhjot “Punjabi Lion” Singh (2nd from left). (Photo by FRANZ VERSOZA)

LUMACAD, GOMERA WIN IN UNDERCARD

Meanwhile, Ryan “The Fire Fist” Lumacad and Jilbert Gomera also both scored contrasting victories in their maiden fights under the Highland Boxing Stable in the undercard.

Lumacad, a native of General Santos City, stopped Julius “The Rock” Bala in the final sixth round to also remain unbeaten with 11 wins and one draw.

Lumacad first knocked down Bala in the opening round with his right-left combinations and completely dominated the next five rounds with his stinging jabs.

Gomera, a former Philippine Boxing Federation super bantamweight title-holder, landed body shots to win by a unanimous decision over Pablito Canada of Manila.

In the other bouts, Japanese Daishi Yoshikawa of Osaka made a successful comeback via a 3^rd round technical knockout against Ezel Jungco while Isagani Ypanto Llaban of MP-Highland Boxing Gym survived against Christian Munalem of Cagayan de Oro by a split decision.

Former IBO world light flyweight champion Rey Loreto failed to see action against Junuel Lacar in the main event after he got sick.

“May sakit talaga si Loreto at ayaw namin na malagay siya sa alanganin,” said trainer Joven Jorda.

Lacar instead had a sparring with former two-time world champion Merlito Sabillo, who is now preparing for an OPBF championship in Japan.

Southpaw Ryan “Singwancha” Lumacad (right) connects a left to Julius “The Rock” Bala in their 6-rounder bout in the undercard of “The Road to Glory” last Aug. 13. Lumacad won via a 6th round TKO to remain undefeated. (Photo by FRANZ VERSOZA)