DUNO KOS GONZALES IN 2ND ROUND FOR SMASHING U.S. DEBUT

UNHERALDED Filipino boxer Romero “Ruthless” Duno from General Santos City made his smashing debut in the United States by stopping previously unbeaten Christian “Chimpa” Gonzales in the second round at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, California last Friday night.

The 21-year old Duno of Sanman Boxing Gym first knocked down the hometown favourite Gonzales in the opening round with a right straight on the chin.

But Gonzales of Buena Park, California was saved by the bell.

In the second round, Duno again landed a vicious wild punch to send again Gonzales down on the canvas. Gonzales tried to stand up but was still wobbly on his feet prompting referee Thomas Taylor to stop the fight in 57 seconds of the second round.

Duno earned the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Intercontinental lightweight title and improved his record to 13 wins with 12 knockouts and only one loss.

Gonzales suffered his first loss after 16 straight wins with 14 knockouts.

The fight was shown in the United States by Golden Boy Promotions and Tecate as part of their ‘Boxeo Estelar’ show over Estrella TV Friday night.

“Lipay kayo ko (I’m so very happy),” said Duno in a text message.

“I would like to first thank God for this victory,” said Duno.

Duno also thanked his managers Dexter “Wang Yu” Tan and Jim Claude “JC’ Manangquil of Sanman Promotions, who came all the way from the Philippines to give their moral support.

“I also thanked the people who trusted and supported me,” said Duno.

Duno had prepared for the fight since December at the Wild Card Gym under his new trainer Rodel Mayol, a former world champion from the Philippines.

Also at the corner was his cutman Dr. Ed dela Vega.

Duno’s stablemates including Tan’s lovely wife and co-manager Tata also rejoiced after watching the fight in the internet in General Santos City.

“Congratulations Panganay! I am so proud of you!” said Tata Tan.