Diale KOs ALA mainstay Macahilig to keep Phl flyweight title

CEBU, Philippines - Arden Diale retained his Philippine flyweight title with a stunning seventh round stoppage of rising ALA Stable star Mhar Jhun Macahilig in the main event of the Cobra Energy Drink “Tunay na Lakas Boxing” the other night at Bay Center in Bacolod City.

Macahilig, who was considered as one of ALA Promotions' brightest prospects after his second round demolition of Thai Kaichon Sor Vorapin last January, was ahead in the judges' scorecards when the unexpected happened.

Diale, a one-time world title challenger, suddenly came alive in round seven where he landed a picture- perfect right hook to the jaw that flattened Macahilig for good in 29 seconds of the round.

With the win, the Sarangani Province-native Diale improved his record to 18-6 now packed with 5KOs. For sure, Macahilig will be back to the drawing board after suffering his only second defeat in 16 fights.

Diale fought for the WBO flyweight belt last year, but was stopped in the fourth round by Mexico's Julio Cesar Miranda, who was later manhandled by reigning champion Fil-Am Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria.

In the supporting bout, the hard-hitting lightweight mainstay Mark Acub (7-0, 6KOs) kept his clean record intact with a fifth round knockout of Boholano Rocky Sismundo. 

Arjan Canillas decked Hagibis Quinoñes in the second round, while Reymund Tabogo stopped Dingdong Quinones also in the second round.

The rest of the winners were Louie Arlos by unanimous decision against Bryan Inojales and Marlon Macayan, also on points against Japanese Takaoki Noma.— (FREEMAN)