Muay Thai fighter pummels kickboxer in rare showdown

CEBU, Philippines - Muay Thai disciple Gino ‘Projectile’ Po proved he has the more superior fighting skills after he scored a first round stoppage of veteran kickboxer Junrey Soquite in the main event of the 2012 Muay Thai Challenge the other night at J Centre Mall in Brgy. Bakilid, Mandaue City.

Po immediately pressed the attack button in the opening round, swarming Soquite with round-house kicks to the head that forced his opponent to backtrack.

Soquite, who fights out of the Durex Dragon Kickboxing Club, tried to connect his shots but to no avail as Po landed effective counter strikes.

Smelling blood, Po unleashed a flurry of elbow and knee strikes, but Soquite was able to survive what had been a tough round for him.

However, Soquite's cornerman did not allow him to continue the fight before the start of the second round, apparently to prevent his ward from further harm.

In the supporting bouts, Kerk Florida of ATC Kickboxingescaped with a split decision win over Po’s protege Neil Bacatan, while Leo Rodrigo of Bullet Muay Thai and John Edu Torbiso of Durex Dragon fought for a majority draw.

John Edu’s brother Axel Torbiso stopped Jorge Garan of Bullet Muay Thai in the first round, while Paulo Renen, also a Bullet mainstay, won on points against Path Kiram of COMA Kickboxing.

Bullet Muay Thai's Marvin Rabanos dominated Renjie Metchor of COMA Kickboxing, while Reymar Bolanio stopped Edwin Velos of ATC Kickboxing in the first round.  (FREEMAN)