Singwangcha outpoints Jimenea to claim PBF superfly crown

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu-based Mindanao brawler Marco Demecillo Singwangcha punched his way to a 10-round unanimous decision victory over the highly-experienced Dondon Jimenea of Manila to snatch the Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) super flyweight title in the main event of the "Brawl at the Village II" the other night at the RWS Boxing Gym in Brgy. Punta Princesa, this city.

Singwangcha jumped the gun on Jimenea right after the opening bell but the grizzled veteran warrior firmly stood his ground with his effective counter-punching and timely uppercuts.

Jimenea then figured himself in an exciting bell-to-bell rumble with the very game Singwangcha to the delight of the full-packed crowd, but he apparently ran out gas starting in the eighth round.

Singwangcha made the most out of the opportunity by launching a relentless offensive assault in the last three rounds that merited him the judges' nod.

Ben Necessario had it 96-94, Noel Flores penned it 98-92 while Arnel Pasion saw the bout at 97-93, all for the Iligan City-native Singwangcha who stayed undefeated in nine fights spiked with one draw and 5KOs. Jimenea dropped to 23-13-4 (11KOs).

"I had a hard time against him (Jimenea) because he's a very seasoned fighter. Overall, I'm satis-fied with my performance but I still have a lot of things to improve specially my speed and footwork," said Singwangcha.

In the other six-round super flyweight bout, JR Magboo of Manila eked out a split decision win to spoil the ring comeback of Charles "Boogie" Delada Singwangcha.

Magboo planted a solid right to the face that sent Delada down at the seat of his pants midway in the third round. Delada, however, survived the deal and went on to finish the match.

Two judges scored 57-55 for Magboo, while the other one had it 55-57 for Delada, thus, the split verdict.

In the premilimary match under the flyweight division, Romnick Magos of Cebu City knocked out Elmer Pono of Mandaue City at the 1:42 mark of the fourth round.

Bankrolled by noted Thai promoter Naris Singwangcha in association with RWS International Promotions of revered Cebuano boxingman Rex "Wakee" Salud, the slambang card was among the highlights of the annual fiesta of Guadalupe Osmeña Village in honor of its beloved patron St. Michael de Archangel. (FREEMAN)