Silvano snares Phl light flyweight belt

CEBU, Philippines - Former WBO Oriental light flyweight champion Vergilio ‘Maton’ Silvano  of the Omega Boxing Gym grinded through a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Mark Anthony Florida of Bukidnon to capture the vacant Philippine light flyweight belt the other night at the Dalaguete Sports Complex.

The one-time world title challenger Silvano found Florida a tough customer to handle, but the 23 year-old Silvano used his experienced and speed to outgun the former amateur standout and earn the nod of the three judges.

Silvano, thus, improved his record to 18-3, 10KOs, while Florida suffered his fourth defeat in 13 professional fights.

In the supporting main event of the slambang show presented by International Pharmaceuticals Inc., unbeaten Jahleel ‘Maravilla’ Payao (8-0, 5KOs) remained undefeated as he hammers down Don-Don Jimenea (14-19, 6KOs) of General Santos City to snatch the vacant Philippine super flyweight crown.

In the undercard, Omega fighter Charlie Pucdol (6-1,5KOs) kayoed Junnie Salogaol (5-7, 2KOs) in the fourth round, while Kenan Villaflor (4-0, 1KO) and Richard Rosales (4-2) settled for a draw and Jerry Castroverde destroyed Juny Villacruses in the second round. Garry Rojo outpointed Michael Kaibigan as Carlo Demecillo outsmarted Prex Cabilla. –LPM (FREEMAN)