Pumar stops Lefele in 7 Seizes WBC International minimumweight crown, but stablemate Suico loses in title bid

The youthful Gabriel Pumar, in a scintillating display of brute strength and firepower, captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) International minimumweight crown by scoring a fantastic seventh-round knockout of defending champion Tshepo Lefele of South Africa yesterday at the Wembley Indoor Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Pumar, who puts his hometown Lapu-Lapu City in the international map of boxing with his historic feat, is only the second Filipino fighter to win a major title in South Africa next to Bert Batawang of SGG Stable, who dethroned Sipthemble Kibiti also by seventh round knockout to win the WBA Pan-African light flyweight belt on November 20, 2004 at the Oliver Tambo Hall in Capetown, SA.

Pumar actually scored a total of four knockdowns as he also sent the hapless South African down on both knees in the fifth round, but referee Andy Smale ruled it a slip.

Pumar again floored Lefele in round six and then mercilessly flattened the South African twice in the next round, the last was so lethal that it forced the third man on the ring to intervene and halt the bout. The official time was 2:56 of round seven.

"Pumar showed a very impressive performance. I really didn't expect he would win that convincingly. I'm very happy for him. He deserves all the credit.," Pumar's manager Rex "Wakee" Salud told The Freeman via overseas call.

Aside from stretching his unbeaten record to 9-0 now spiked with six stoppages, Pumar is also expected to shot up in the WBC ratings as his victim is ranked No.2 105-pounder by the prestigious organization.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza, a supporter of Pumar, was very elated with Pumar's masterful conquest that he will tender a grand welcome and victory bash after Pumar and his entourage arrive at 12:30 pm today at the Mactan International Airport.

"I'm very happy that my son was very lucky enough to pull one big win abroad," said Pumar's father Pablo.

Pumar's stablemate, Benedict Suico, was not as lucky though as he lost by unanimous decision to Mhikiza Myekeni in their 12-round battle for the WBC International flyweight championship.

Boxing from behind the jab, Myekeni, who was in fine physical condition, piled up the points against Suico, who was missing badly throughout the fight.

The feverish Suico, however, still deserved an honorable mention for putting up a brave stand despite being stricken with tonsilitis going into the match.

The scores were 119-110, 120-108 and 119-109, all in favor of Myekeni.

"Suico was in top form. It's just unfortunate that he was caught up with fever," said Salud.

Initially, three of Salud's boxers were scheduled to fight in the explosive "Parade of Champions" fight card, but Mercito Gesta failed in the final medical exam, promoting the event organizers to scrap his bout with WBC International featherweight title-holder Jeffrey Mathebula.