Farenas scores controversial win

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Farenas came away with a controversial second round technical knockout victory over Hector Velazquez at the San Juan Arena late Friday due to a cut suffered by the Mexican.

Farenas and Velazquez clashed heads which caused an ugly gash on the Mexican’s right brow but referee Bruce McTavish said the cut came from a punch to reward Farenas the TKO victory in the main event of Mag Pacman Boxing International Promotions.

Farenas thus upped his ring record to 38-4-4 with 30 knockouts as he gears up for a possible world title shot in his next fight. Velazquez, on the other hand, dropped down to 56-21-3.

The outcome, however, somewhat took the luster from what had been touted as a battle royale with Farenas vowing to score a resounding victory over an opponent who once went up against ring icon Manny Pacquiao.

The accidental head clash and the referee’s disputed decision, however, put an end to all that.

In the undercard, Dave Peñalosa scored one of the best victories of his career against Alem Robles of Mexico. Peñalosa unleashed body punches early in the fight but the tough Mexican refused to give the young Filipino an inch. The two battled for six back-and-forth rounds but Peñalosa took the unanimous decision in the end via 58-56, 58-56, and 59-56 scoreline. 

The victory hiked the unbeaten Peñalosa’s record to eight wins with five knockouts.

The event was sponsored by CherrylumE, DIY (Do It Yourself) Hardware, and Harrix Wires, and Cables with Lancaster Hotel as the event’s official hotel.