Ronald Johnson, Aries Buenavidez, Joe Tejones Claim GBO Titles in Thrilla in Davao

By Carlos Costa

DAVAO CITY — American heavyweight Ronald Johnson, as well as Filipinos Aries Buenavidez and Joe Tejones scored twelve-rounds wins by points to claim GBO (Global Boxing Organization) straps Saturday, June 15, at The Enderun Tent Azuela Cove, Barangay Lanang here in the beautiful City of Davao City in Mindanao, southern Philippines.

In the main event, former WBC United States (USNBC) champion Ronald “The American Dream” Johnson (16-1, 4 KO’s) of Las Vegas, Nevada, twice dropped and completely dominated veteran “Phoenix Assassin” Saul Farah (69-24-3, 60 KO’s) of Bolivia to capture the vacant GBO Heavyweight belt.

Ronald Johnson Outclasses Saul Farah in their 12 round battle in Davao

ohnson displayed superior speed and skills over the brave, though slower and less-refined Saul Farah, with the American marking a successful return to action after a two-year hiatus. Right after being belted, the 33-year-old American assured fans in Davao that he is ready for more challenging missions.

“The American Dream” is trained by veteran Puerto Rican coach Manny Hernandez. The third man for the Johnson-Farah fight was Danrex Tapdasan.

Aries Buenavidez Defeats Roy Nagulman via Unanimous Decision

In the co-feature, Davao come-forward gladiator Aries Buenavidez (14-3, 7 KO’s) shocked, knocked down and decisioned taller, younger Ifugao-native Roy Nagulman (8-1, 6 KO’s) over twelve entertaining chapters to conquer the GBO Bantamweight Strap.

The fast 17-year-old Nagulman — assisted in his corner my his coach Abel Martin — showed heart and a warrior spirit getting up from a rough early visit to the canvas to complete the twelve rounds distance, but tonight was Buenavidez’ night.

Buenavidez, 23, won fight and belt as his attacks carried more power, staggering Nagulman, inflicting more damage. Buenavidez victory was a unanimous decision.

MORE RESULTS FROM THRILLA IN DAVAO, PHILIPPINES

Well-trained Roy Tejones Won a Split Decision over Ifugao’s KJ Natuplag

In another twelve-rounder, Bukidnon southpaw Joe Tejones (13-6, 7 KO’s) edged a split decision win over young and talented KJ Natuplag (8-1-2, 7 KO’s) of Lagawe, Ifugao to capture GBO title.

The battle was an exciting twelve-chapter duel that satisfied guests in attendance, and given the chance, the two 22-year-old boxers might want to do it again.

Silvestre showed his experience and skills outpointing tough Jenuel Lauza

Moreover, experienced Orlie Silvestre (14-5-1, 8 KO’s ) of Isulan City, the capital of the Kapuoran sang Sultan Kudarat, defeated less-skilled 18-year-old Jenuel Lauza (5-7, 5 KO’s) of San Pablo, Laguna, for an eight-rounder unanimous decision triumph.

Orlie Silvestre, 25, a man who has rumbled in Thailand and Japan, feels ready for more wars in foreign battlefields or anywhere.

Gensan’s Reymart Ibones Scored a Majority Decision Win over Royder Lloyd Borbon

In another result, dangerous Gensan 112-pound gladiator Reymark Ibones (3-0-1, 1 KO) won a majority decision over more-experienced Royder Lloyd Borbon (5-7-1, 5 KO’s) of Sultan Kurarat. The two 23-year-old men battled it out over six chapters, with Ibones coming on top.

The first bout of the show featured, fast ‘n furious light flyweight Gabriel Dasan (4-2-1, 2 KO’s) and the equally tough Nilo Entero (0-1, 0 KO’s) battling it out to a split draw.

Entero (L) suffered a bad cut for which the fight got stopped. Result: split decision draw.

Entero, wearing yellow trunks, suffered a cut over his left eyebrow from a no-intentional headbutt and the GAB doctor recommended to the referee that the skirmish should be stopped to protect the young boxer’s eye. The scorecards reflected a split draw. It was Entero’s first pro fight and it was a tough affair.

“Thrilla in Davao,” included a fashion show from Davao award-winning designer Wilson Limon,

In attendance during the high-class event were American former two-division world champion Layla McCarter, GAB Chairman Baham Mitra, Senator-elect Bong Go, GBO Chairman & CEO Fred Lumba, as well as GAB Commissioners Eduard Trinidad and Mar Masanguid.

GAB Davao officials Datu Fahd Yasser A. Sinsuat and John Kenneth Improso were hands-on throughout the long fighting event that ended Sunday early morning at 1 am.

The GBO triple-header Saturday, June 15, at The Enderun Tent, Azuela Cove in Lanang, Davao, was a production of boxing promoter Reynaldo Rodis in association with the City Government of Davao.

The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber/wechat: +639184538152.