Sanman boxers invade Makati by storm

MAKATI CITY, Philippines —  Going out of their comfort zone in General Santos City to show their stuff on enemy lines wasn't a problem at all for the young but promising fighters of Sanman Boxing Club.

Led by bantamweight contender 'Magic' Mike Plania, the Sanman boxers went 4-of-4 to further highlight the success of Sanman Promotions' groundbreaking event in Metro Manila dubbed as "Brawl at the Mall: Undefeated" witnessed by a sizable crowd that packed the Makati Square Arena on Saturday night here at the country's financial district.

The 19-year-old Plania hammered his way to a majority decision triumph over the crowd-favorite Lorence Rosas of Makati's MSA Gym to clinch the previously vacant WBF International 118-pound crown and at the same time stretch his unbeaten streak to 10-0 spiked with 4KOs.

Rosas launched a lightning attack right after the opening bell, but Plania kept his cool as he went on to dictate the pace of the match with his tactical and slick-punching skills gleaned on his experience as a former amateur standout.

Plania's best show came in round eight when he rattled Rosas with solid head shots, just a few moments after his foe from Palawan was deducted a point for intentional headbutt. 

From thereon, there was no doubt Plania would emerge the victor but  surprisingly judge Jerrold Tomeldan scored the bout a 94-94 draw. Gil Co and Nowell Haduca penned it 96-92 and 95-93, respectively, for Plania, hence, the majority verdict.

"I was satisfied with Mike's performance. It was a good win," said Sanman Promotions President and CEO Jim Claude 'JC' Manangquil. "He proved his worth tonight but we will not rush things up for him. We'll take it one at a time for him."

On his end, Plania wasn't happy with his showing, saying that there were things he failed to put on display particularly his counter-punching ability.

"Nagpasukmag na lang ko sa iyaha kay kaya man nako iya kumo ug para maka counter ko sa iyaha," said the pride of GenSan. "Lig-on sab gyud noon akong kontra. Maayo sab mo-timing mao naglisud sab ko niya."

Nevertheless, Plania said he is happy that he won though he gamely admitted that he still have a lot to improve on as a ring warrior.

Ealier, three of Plania's stablemates pulled of contrasting victories, with reigning WBC Asia and WBF International featherweight champion John Vincent 'Mulawin" Moralde wading through troubled waters before escaping with a split decision over ex-PBF bantamweight titlist Jimmy Aducal.

Moralde was in command during the first half of their scheduled 10-round duel and even sent Aducal reeling against the ropes with crisp punches to the head late in round five.

Moralde, however, suddenly ran out of steam in the sixth round, allowing Aducal to seize control and eventually set up the stage for the most-applauded showdown of  the evening with his relentless aggression.

As he pressed on the attack, the fast-charging Aducal sent Moralde down on one knee with telling head blows in round nine.

The visibly groggy Davaoeño fighter gallantly survived the ordeal and went on to survive what was without doubt the most difficult battle of his career.

When the dust settled, Moralde eked out a split decision to keep his clean record intact that now stands at 16-0 laced with 7KOs.

"I did not expect that he (Moralde) would have that kind of fight. It was the worst performance I've seen in him. It wasn't good but at least he got the job done," said Manangquil." I still have trust in him. I just hope he learned a lesson to not underestimate anyone and should train harder in every fight."

In a post-fight interview, Moralde confessed that his training was indeed affected by his constant travel back home to Davao from Gensan because of his recent wedding and to change the registration of their son.

"Kulang gyud akong training mao nahutdan ko og hangin na after five rounds. Pero kaya nako ang iyang kumo," said the 21-year-old Moralde.

While Moralde and Plania were pushed to the limit, their Sanman comrades Marquil Salvana and Reymart Gaballo made short work of their foes.

Salvana scored two knockdowns before stopping Lowell Saguisa of  Leyte at 2:32 of the first round while Gaballo dished out the most spectacular win of the night, needing just 61 seconds to finish off the hapless Marlon Arcilla of Laguna. (FREEMAN)