PETALCORIN CAPTURES VACANT IBF PAN PACIFIC LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CROWN

CHAMP AGAIN. New IBF Pan Pacific light flyweight champion Randy Petalcorin (with belt) with his managers Jim Claude Manangquil, Dexter Tan and John Ray Manangquil and his supporters led by Dionesia "Mommy D" Pacquiao. (Photo by LITO DELOS REYES) — CHAMP AGAIN. New IBF Pan Pacific light flyweight champion Randy Petalcorin (with belt) with his managers Jim Claude Manangquil, Dexter Tan and John Ray Manangquil and his supporters led by Dionesia “Mommy D” Pacquiao. (Photo by LITO DELOS REYES)

By LITO DELOS REYES

GEN. SANTOS CITY (Dec. 5) – Former world champion Randy “Razor” Petalcorin scored a knockdown in the 6^th round to score a convincing unanimous decision against Arnold Garde and captured the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Pan Pacific light-flyweight title Sunday night at the Robinson’s Mall Atrium here.

Petalcorin displayed his world-class act against the current Mindanao Professional Boxing Assocation (Minproba) light-flyweight champion from President Roxas, North Cotabato in the main event of the “Brawl of the Mall: Return of the Gensan’s Finest”.

A quick left straight by Petalcorin sent down Garde on the canvas in the 6^th round. Garde kept on clinching on Petalcorin already after the first three rounds. Garde could only throw one punch and was even deducted in the 7th round for throwing low blow on Petalcorin by referee Ramil Ovalo.

Petalcorin was quicker and was able to elude Garde’s counter with his hit-and-run tactic. Petalcorin also hit more left-right combinations in the 10-rounder fight.

All three judges scored in favor of Petalcorin – Romy Fordaliza (97-91), Sabas Ponpon Jr. (100-88) and Brembot Duladas (98-90).

Petalcorin, a former WBA World light flyweight champion was awarded a golden belt by IBF supervisor and Games and Amusements Board Commissioner Fritz Gaston, who was assisted by GAB Davao OIC Arlene Olondriz.

“Maraming salamat sa Diyos. Masayang masaya po ako,” (Thank you Lord. I’m very, very happy) said Petalcorin, a former interim WBA World light flyweight champion.

Petalcorin, 24, improved his record to 25 wins with 18 knockouts, 2 losses and 1 draw, while 26-year old Garde dropped to 7 wins (4 Kos), 3 losses and 2 draws.

Petalcorin lost by a controversial split decision to Omari Kimweri in their championship fight for the vacant WBC Silver flyweight crown last April 15 in Victoria, Australia.

“Randy wants the IBF world title next year. We are targeting that,” said Petalcorin’s manager Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil, chief executive officer of Sanman Promotions.

In the main supporting bout, former WBC International super featherweight champion Eden “Mr. Showboat” Sonsona showed a little bit rusty from his 18-month layoff but still beat former champion Jaime Barcelona by a majority decision in their 8-rounder match.

Sonsona tried to score a knockout but the 38-year old Barcelona also used his ring experience in defending himself.

“Eden looked rusty as a result of his 18 months layoff. But it was a good fight for him so he could get some rounds. I am sure he will do a lot better in his next fight,” said Manangquil.

Sonsona, 28, improved to 35 wins, 6 losses, 2 draws and 12 knockouts while Barcelona, current Minproba featherweight champion, suffered his 61^st loss against 39 wins and 1 draw.

Seven other fighters from the Sanman Promotions including the two new ones also all won in the undercard.

Reymart “Gensan Assassin” Gaballo, John Vincent “Mulawin Moralde and Mike “Magic” Plania all proved that they are ready for their upcoming training with Cuban trainer Moro Fernandez in Miami, Florida, USA next month by stopping their opponents.

Gaballo (16-0-0-14 Kos), current WBC Asian Boxing Council super bantamweight champion, pummeled to submission Jerson Luzarito (12-18-1-9 Kos) in 23 second of the second round by a technical knockout.

Moralde (18-0-0-9 Kos), reigning World Boxing Federation International featherweight champion, landed a solid left body punch to knockout Joas Aparicio (12-18-1-9 Kos) in 1:23 of the first round.

Plania (13-0-0-6 KOs), also the present WBF International bantamweight title-holder connected left-right combinations to knockout Minproba lightweight champion JP Macadumpis (11-8-1-5 Kos) in 28 seconds of the 2^nd round.

Lolito Sonsona and Benjamin Manangquil also both made two successful debuts for Sanman in contrasting fashions. The older Sonsona landed more telling blows to force Jetly Purisima to turn his back in 1:09 of the 4^th round while Manangquil scored a unanimous decision against Romulo Ramayan.

Two other Sanman fighters – Romero Duno and Jayson “Pitbull” Mama – also stopped their separate opponent in the card sponsored by ….

Duno TKO’d Gabby Simpo during the rest period of the 2nd round while Mama knocked out Jade Yagahon in 1:14 of the 1^st round.

“I am very happy with all the performance of the Sanman boxers. Big things will come next year,” said Manangquil.

Before the start of Sanman’s year-ending boxing card, a moment of silence followed by 10 bell rings was made in honor of the late Vic “Tayoying” dela Cruz, one of Sanman’s co-owners and co-managers.

Among those from watching from the huge crowd were 8-time world division champion Manny Pacquiao’s mother Dionesia “Mommy D” Pacquiao and former world champion Rolando “Bad Boy from Dadiangas” Navarette.