Salud files protest vs WBA judges

Cebu boxing manager Rex "Wakee" Salud yesterday filed a protest before the World Boxing Association concerning the highly questionable defeat suffered by his prized boxer Eriberto Gejon Jr. last Sunday in Japan.

Gejon lost by controversial technical split decision in the 10th round to Japanese champion Yutaka Niida in their WBA minimumweight title match at the Yokohama Arena.

The bout went to the cards after an unintentional head butt in the 10th round left Gejon unfit to continue fighting due to a deep cut over his right eyebrow that later needed 15 stitches to close.

Gejon was tabbed the winner by Panamanian judge Medardo Villalobos, 97-93, but the two other judges, Wansoo Yuh of Korea and Pinit Prayadsab of Thailand, saw it otherwise, posting identical scores of 96-95 for Niida, hence, the split verdict in favor of the Japanese champion.

Salud said he would push for an inquiry on the result of the contest and urge the WBA to investigate Wansoo and Prayadsab on the manner they judged the match.

"I filed a protest before the WBA because of the dubious decision of the two judges (Wansoo and Pinit) and I’m requesting the WBA to have them investigated," said Salud. "There’s no doubt in my mind Gejon won the fight and he deserves a rematch."

Salud said he sent a letter of protest to WBA upon the advise of WBA chief representative Gilberto Mendoza Jr., who felt Gejon was a victim of unjust decision.

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao, who accompanied Salud to Japan to cheer for Gejon, also said the Cebuano challenger should have been declared the winner.

"Even fight supervisor Renzo Bagnariol of Nicaragua told me after the bout that Gejon was leading by two points over Niida in his card," said Salud.

A return bout is likely as Mendoza, whose father Gilberto Mendoza Sr. is the WBA president, assured Salud that Gejon will stay as the WBA No. 2 contender despite the latter’s setback.

Gejon, who suffered his only first defeat in 23 professional fights that include one draw and 13 wins via knockout, said he is willing to challenge Niida anew.

"I really believed I won the fight. But I can’t do anaything about it, it’s their decision," said Gejon. " I’m willing to have a rematch with him (Niida) even if the fight will still be held in Japan."