Brgy. Sabang dominates Sibonga amateur tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Sabang of coach Fernando Cuizon hauled eight gold medals and one silver to clinch the overall title of the 5th Lionel Bacaltos Cup Amateur Boxing Tournament last Sunday evening at the Bonifacio Bacaltos Cultural Centrum in the southern Cebu town of Sibonga.

Joel Abella and Arnel Delfin led Sabang's charge after scoring the shortest fights of the night. Abella needed only 30 seconds to destroy Johnrey Rellin in their 54 kgs. match, while Delfin took only 50 ticks in the clock to stop Jayson Enricoso in their 48 kgs. duel.

The other gold medallists for Sabang were Leo Torres ( 49 kgs.), Clarence Antopina (50kgs), Dyrel Solatoreo (53 kgs.), Jonrel Reponte (55 kgs.), Reymart Antopina (45 kgs.) and Jayson Campana (48 kgs.).

Torres forced Mark Nazaren Cudera into submission at 1:59 of the second round, Antopina won over Bryan Lagad by retirement at 59 seconds of the second round, while Reponte triumphed over Danny Boy Bustamente via stoppage at 1:44 of round one

On the other hand, Solatoreo, Antopina and Campana prevailed on points over Joseph Mondido, Kid Rama and Reyboy Deparine, respectively.

It was not all jubilation though for Sabang as Ramil Forcia was outclassed by Edward Senor resulting into a 54-second stoppage in their 45 kgs. bout.

Aside from Senor, Iran Amante and Filoteo Cudera also delivered gold medals for Guimbangco-an. Amante defeated Wilmar Lumales in the 51 kgs. division, while Cudera tamed Christian Camajalan in their 40 kgs. match-up.

Brgy. Abugon grabbed one gold courtesy of Lowege Henon, who stopped Rodgen Rama in 29 seconds of the second round in their 55 kgs. battle.

In the pro action billed as “Bahug-Bahug sa Sibonga”, Rogen Flores of Dipolog City beat Junie Salogalo of Bukidnon by unanimous decision in a clash of Mindanao brawlers. 

Rodel Wenceslao of Mandaue City beat Ryan Maano of Tuburan by majority verdict, while Jerome Baja of Mandaue City and Steve Noblefranca of Talisay fougth to a technical draw at the 2:55 mark of the first round. The bout had to be stopped after Baja sustained a nasty but below his right eyebrow due to accidental clash of heads. (FREEMAN)