Caitom KOs Indon foe to grab WBC Asia title

SINGAPORE — Cebuano world title hopeful Rey “The Future” Caitom scored what is by far the biggest win in his career, a smashing second round knockout of Indonesian Frans Damur Palue to clinch the WBC Asia Boxing Council Continental minimumweight belt in the co-main event of the Singapore Fighting Championship 8:Renegades of the Fight last Saturday night at the Foowchow Building along Tyrwhitt Road here.

Aside from stretching his undefeated record to 9-0-1 now spiked with 4KOs, the victory was extra meaningful for the 33-year-old Caitom is it pushed him closer towards his dream of fighting for a world crown, the very reason why he returned to boxing after a 12-year layoff.

With his masterful demolition of Palue, who dropped to 15-23-3 (10KOS), Caitom ensured himself of a spot within the top 15 in the world rankings.

“I am so thankful to God for giving me this victory, my first belt. There may be some delays, but everything has its own time,” said Caitom, who is now promoted and coached by Arvind Lawlani of the Juggernaut Fight Club.

The fighting pride of Mandaue City pressed the attack button right from the opening bell, landing a barrage of punishing blows that floored Paule early in the first round.

The veteran Indonesian, however, quickly got up, utilizing his vast experience

against the aggressive Caitom.

“I got too excited at first, but I was just sizing him up,” said the five-time national amateur champion and one of the brightest stars during his stint with Cebu’s world-renowned ALA Gym.

Caitom carried on his momentum into the second round until he sneaked in a powerful overhand right to the head that sent Paul down on both knees, his head hitting the mat and was obviously writhing in pain.

That prompted referee Chouaib Kabbab to quickly wave off the match at the 2:11 mark of round two to the delight of  Caitom’s small throng of fans.

Caitom, who is now based in Singapore where he works as a trainer at the Unbeatable Boxing and Fitness, couldn’t be happier that he will go back to his beloved hometown Cebu bringing along with him a precious belt he will present to his wife Hazel who is about to give birth to their second child after Floyd Yosef.

“Whatever I am doing and whatever I will achieve, it’s for my family,” said Caitom. “And I will never stop until I reach my goal of becoming a world champion someday.” (FREEMAN)