Singwangcha destroys Mabait in classic bout

CEBU, Philippines - In a classic battle of unbeaten fighters that thrilled the spectators to the bones, Marco Demecillo Singwangcha survived a first round knockdown, then systematically worked his way to dish out a scintillating third round stoppage of Marvin Mabait in the main event of the well-attended 'Kadaugan sa Mactan' boxing show bankrolled by Thai promoter Naris Singwangcha and his Cebuano counterpart Rex “Wakee” Salud the other night at the historic Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City.

Aside from putting a definitive closure to their rivalry, Singwangcha also crowned himself as the new Philippine super flyweight champion following that splendid victory that caught the fancy of Cebuano fight fans.

The two ring gladiators from Mindanao faced each other three years ago, with the match ending in a majority draw.

As if a replay of their previous encounter, Singwangcha was floored by Mabait with a powerful left hook to the jaw in the opening session.

Singwangcha, however, weathered the ordeal and surprisingly came back with his guns ablaze in the second round, landing a barrage of solid shots to the head and body that wore down Mabait.

Smelling blood, Singwangcha put the finishing touch in the third round, pinning Mabait against the ropes before unleashing another collection of punches that sent the Zamboanga City fighter down at the seat of his pants.

Mabait was able to beat the referee's count, but was again at the receiving end of Singwangcha's relentless offensive. It was at this point that Mabait's trainer Carl Peñalosa threw in the towel to prevent his ward from further harm. The official time was 1:12 of round three.

Singwangcha, thus, stretched his unbeaten streak to 16-0 now spiked with 12KOs, while Mabait tasted for the first time the bitterness of defeat after an impressive 17-0 start.

In the supporting main event, Cebuano Fernando Ocon escaped with a majority decision victory against Jay-R Estremos, while Marlo Sandoval Singwangcha triumphed over Jonathan Ricablanca via a very close unanimous verdict.

Jayson Redondo Singwangcha and Jayvee Alipio fought to third round technical draw. The match was stopped as Alipio was no longer fit to continue with a deep cut over his left eyebrow caused by an accidental headbutt.

On the other hand, 'Buhay Boksingero' reality show winner Rajah Renoel Pael stopped Joseph Alteza in 1:06 mark of the first round, while Sesustener Llanera Singwangcha knocked out Rodel Wenceslao at the 1:08 mark of third round.

In the other bout, Lyndel Radoc Singwangcha and Ardie 'TI Yamagata Boyoso both won by unanimous decision over Junior Salvador and Ranel Pasunting, respectively, while Kenny Demecillo Singwangcha needed just 45 seconds to finish off Junmar Sahay. (FREEMAN)