Mayol, Batawang stop Thai foes

The way they dismantled their foes, Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol and Bert “Ninja” Batawang are definitely back on track.

Mayol and Batawang scored spectacular knockout victories over separate Thai rivals on Saturday night’s “Back on Track” boxing promotion at the Cebu Coliseum to bolster their campaigns for another world title shot.

Mayol (24-3, 19KOs) unleashed a fusillade of punishing blows to the head and body to stop Wisan Sor Suchanya (9-7-1) at 2:42 of round five, while Batawang (52-7, 36KOs) let loose a big right hand to send Samransak Singmanassak (32-14-1, 26KOs) into a nightmarish sleep at 37 seconds of round four.

“Sa tingin ko, puyde pa siyang (Mayol) mag-world champion” said ring superstar Manny Pacquiao, who watched the show at the ringside with his wife Jinkee. Pacquiao now co-manages Mayol with his confidant and close associate Rex “Wakee” Salud.

From the opening bell, Mayol landed all kinds of punches, but the durable Thai visitor gamely weathered the onslaught.

In round five, Mayol again peppered Suchanya with an assortment of telling blows. This time, a visibly groggy Suchanya couldn’t hold on, prompting referee Teddy Alivio to wave off the bout and prevent the Thai from further damage.

“My opponent was very tough, but I gave my best shot especially that Manny Pacquiao was watching the fight,” said Mayol, who fought before hometown fans for the first time in six years.

Batawang was similarly impressive in claiming his second straight victory via stoppage. He caught Singmanassak with a powerful right cross that sank the Thai flat on the mat with 37 ticks left in the fourth round.

In the other bouts, former PBF flyweight champion Federico  “Magnifico” Catubay of SGG Stable beat Brix Bomb Ray of Davao’s Tony Dacer Stable by eighth round technical decision, while veteran Pedro Malco of Zamboanga City pulled the night’s biggest stunner when he flattened the previously unbeaten upstart Eric Macas of Bong Yu Stable at 2:09 of round seven.

The rest of the results saw Roemart Sentillas beating Ed Earl Orellano by unanimous decision, Ryan Tampus stopping Jerome Aguirre at 1:08 of the second round and Arnel Dunal prevailing over Ariel Adan by unanimous verdict.

The slambang event was presented by SGG Sports Promotions of international promoter Sammy “Don King” Gello-ani in association with Viva Sports, Tanduay Rhum, and Pioneer ElastoSeal.