“Oh!” Manzanilla shocks to the core!

Big suprise not to be sneezed at, as Super bantamweight Franklin Manzanilla (19-4, 18 KOs) stopped former world champion and WBC #1 rated Julio “El Pollito” Ceja (32-3, 28 KOs) on Saturday night at the Teatro Moliere in Mexico City.

Manzanilla won the WBC silver belt when Ceja, who suffered a broken nose, and couldn’t come out for round five.

“I dedicate this title to Venezuela, that we all Venezuelans need. The altitude of Mexico City  affected me a bit, I started well but I was little tired, we were well trained,” said a jubilent Franklin at the end of the fight.

Lanky, taller and notoriously hard hitting Franklin attacked like a tornedo in round one, throwing everything and with it caution to the wind. As early as round two Julio’s nose was
bleeding very badly. Referee Héctor Afu docked Julio a point for rabbit punchng. The Ring Doctor was called to attend the nose which was copiously pouring “Claret,” wiping it in an eye wateringly rough and ready manner, which brought a tear to many an eye.

Fully aware that time was not on his side, and running out, as more blood poured, Julio attacked with a sense of urgency landing with left right combinations in rounds three and four, but his face had become a mask of crimson. It ended before the fifth started, and a “Hooterologist” is being sought!