 |
| Reymart Gaballo stunned basically many boxing fans. Showtime Boxing |
MANILA--Philippine boxing just got an early Christmas gift as another Filipino won a world title albeit in an interim basis.
Reymart Gaballo pulled off a huge shocker on Sunday (Philippine Time) after beating Puerto Rican opponent Emmanuel Rodriguez via split decision to capture the interim World Boxing Council bantamweight title at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Gaballo's resilience paid off despite what seemed like a boxing clinic from Rodriguez that even saw the latter nearly knocking the former down twice.
After a slow paced first round, Gaballo, a late replacement for Nonito Donaire, who was tested positive for COVID-19, got things going in Rounds 2 and 3 with his aggressive style of play, eventually opening a gash on Rodriguez's nose bridge
Rodriguez, however, found an opening for his right hook in the fourth round that nearly sent Gaballo to the canvas.
Gaballo somehow bounced back in the middle rounds by continuing on his attack, eventually landing a right hook on Rodriguez in Round 8.
However, Rodriguez, using his range to his advantage, jabbed Gaballo nearly to the floor anew in Round 10.
It was a game of ring generalship in the championship rounds as both fighters used their advantages to the full extent in the final six minutes.
David Sutherland had it 118-110 for Rodriguez, but Don Trella scored 116-112 and John McKaie tallied 115-113 in favor of Gaballo.
Gaballo moved up to 24-0, while Rodriguez fell for the second straight time after a 19-0 start.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
.JPG)
.jpg)
0 Comments