THE RETURN BOUT HIGHLAND BRAWL ON SEPT. 23

THE long-awaited rematch between Dayer “Die Hard” Gabutan and former…Roilo “Phoenix” Golez will finally be held on Sept. 23 at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet.
“This is what we have long been waiting for them, their rematch,” said boxing promoter Brico Santig of Highland Boxing Promotions.
Gabutan, a southpaw, lost by a shocking 5th round knockout to Golez in their first encounter held June 10, 2016 in Mandaluyong City.
“Tsamba lang yun pagkapanalo ni Golez sa akin,” said Gabutan, who had a long vacation from boxing after that stunning upset.
Gabutan, a former WBO Oriental bantamweight champion is now back and has been training for the fight at the Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad.
“Gusto kong maka bawi sa kanya (Golez),” said Gabutan (19W-6L-3D, 10 KOs).
Golez, on the other hand, said that he will make sure that his early win against Gabutan was not a fluke.
“Gagawin ko ulit ang panalo ko sa kanya,” said Golez, a former WBC Asian Boxing Council minimumweight champion.
Golez, 30, won the regional title by stopping Jadsada Polyiam via a 10th round technical knockout in Krathum Baen in 2011. Golez, however fought but lost when he challenged WBC Youth world light flyweight champion Sirichai Thaiyen by a unanimous decision in 2011 in Bangkok.
Golez went to Puebla, Mexico to fight Sammy Gutierrez for the vacant WBC Silver light flyweight title but suffered a 5th round TKO loss also in 2011. Golez was deducted two points in Round 1 for an intentional head butt.
Golez then went to Foro Polanco, Polanco to challenge WBC International flyweight champion Edgar Sosa but against lost by a 7th TKO in 2012.
Golez, a native of Maco, Compostela Valley Province fought again in six separate title fights. He first bowed to WBO Oriental flyweight champion Prasitsak Phaprom by unanimous decision in Bangkok in late 2012.
After 30 days, Golez dropped a UD to WBC International minimumweight Chayaphon Monsri in Bangkok. Luck was still not on Golez’ side in his third title assignment as he only settled to a technical draw with Wilber Andogan for the interim WBC Asian Boxing Council minimumweight title on Feb. 16, 2013 at the Pagcor Grand Theater in Paranaque City.
The fight was stopped by referee Virgilio Garcia due to a cut on Golez’ left eyelid caused by an accidental head butt.
In his 4th title-fight, Golez suffered a knockdown once in round 9 to drop a UD to Armando Santos in their battle for the vacant WBC United States flyweight title on Aug. 24, 2013.
Golez was then kayoed in the 2nd round by undefeated Petchchorhae Kokietgym for the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver flyweight title on Aug. 29, 2014 in Bangkok.
After beating Gabutan, Golez suffered a 9th round TKO loss to Cris Alfante for the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental flyweight crown on October 1, 2016 in Paranaque City.