Gabuco gains semis; Aparri out on tiebreak

MANILA, Philippines - Lightfly Josie Gabuco pulled off a 21-15 decision over Canadian Kim Klavel to barge into the semifinal round of the World Women’s Championships in Qinhuangdao, China yesterday.

But PLDT-ABAP national teammate Alice Kate Aparri fell by the wayside, dropping a heartbreaking decision to Terry Gordini of Italy via countback in their bantamweight clash. 

Aparri battled Gordini on even terms throughout with the Italian taking a 3-2 lead in the first round and the Filipina fighter forcing a 5-5, 7-7 and 10-10 tie in the next three rounds.

In round four, two judges went for Aparri, another two for Gordini and one saw it even.

The deadlock was decided by countback based on the computer scoring system with Gordini clinching the win.

In contrast, Gabuco dominated Klavel although the Montreal native was able to score with the power shots in between rounds.

“She is a strong boxer,” said Gabuco. “But I timed my punches well and I even opened up a cut under her left eye with my right straight just before the bell sounded to end the second round. I really want to win here,” said the 25-year-old veteran boxer from Palawan.

Gabuco took the opening round, 5-3, then kept her domination of her rival in the next three rounds, 10-7, 16-10 and 21-15.

Gabuco shoots for the finals against Svetlana Gnevanova of Russia  Friday. Gnevanova is a gold medalist in the World Cup of Petroleum held in her country late last year.

The event, which drew 305 women boxers from 70 countries worldwide, takes a break Thursday.

Gnevanova advanced to the semis with a 13-11 decision over Pinki Jangra of India, 13-11.

Coach and former Olympian Elias Recaido Jr. said he is confident of “Josie’s chances against the Russian. I think her style suits the Russian.”

Recaido works the corner with coach Mitchel Martinez.