Gabunilas hurdles toughest test yet

CEBU, Philippines — ARQ Stable’s world-rated light flyweight prospect John Paul “Angas ng Cebu” Gabunilas overcame what is by far the most difficult challenge in his budding career, grinding through a hard-earned majority decision win over the tough as nails Jesse “Little Giant” Espinas of Sanman Gym in the main event of ARQ Sports Promotions’ “Engkwentro 8” last Tuesday, December 20.

After 10 rounds of grueling action witnessed by a sizeable crowd at the San Fernando Sports Complex in San Fernando town south of Cebu, judge Neil Papas penned a 75-75 stalemate but judges Rafael Osumo and Edward Ligas scored the bout 97-93 and 96-94, respectively, all for Gabunilas resulting to a majority verdict.

It was another tedious ring assignment Gabunilas had to endure.

This time, the pride of Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City did not only deal with a very sturdy and combative opponent who pushed him to the limit, he also battled through an injured left shoulder that he overstretched during training a few weeks before the fight.

Despite that, the 22-year-old Gabunilas bravely fought Espinas toe-to-toe from the get-go although he somehow slowed down in late rounds after being hobbled by his injury.

“Ganahan na gyud unta kaayo ko mo-undang pag-seventh round pa lang kay sakit na kaayo ang akong abaga ug maglisud na ko og sukmag,” Gabunilas said. “Pero determinasyon lang gyud nga molahutay ko kay nakahibawo ko kon unsa ka-importante ning awaya para nako.”

Gabunilas, the reigning OPBF Youth 108-pound champion who is ranked No.29 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), now holds a 9-1 slate spiked with 6KOs. Espinas dropped to 20-6 with 11KOs.

In the most impressive performance of the night, OPBF Silver flyweight titlist and WBC rated No.28 April Jay “Astroboy” Abne from Manticao, Misamis Oriental destroyed Bacolod City’s Richard “Explosive” Claveras in just 66 seconds.

Abne jumped the gun on Claveras right after the opening bell and moments later sent him down at the seat of his pants with a solid right straight to the chin.

Smelling blood, Abne did not waste time in delivering the killer blows. He tactically pinned Claveras against the ropes, then relentlessly pounded his hapless foe with a string of head shots.

Claveras, dazed and confused, was unresponsive to Abne’s vicious attack, prompting referee Tony Pesons to halt the carnage at the 1:49 mark of the very first round.

Abne thus improved his record to 12-1 now packed with 6KOs. Claveras fell to 19-11-2 with 16KOs.

It was a double celebration for Abne as his younger brother Ian Paul “The Assassin” Abne also emerged victorious against Ronald Alapormina by unanimous decision.

On the other hand, brothers Bryx “The King” and Rodex “The Tank” Piala both prevailed by decision over

Ryan Rey Ponteras and Ponciano Rimandiman, while Ramil “The Sharp” Macado Jr., Rodel “The Hulk” Wenceslao, Bryan James “Wild Fury” Wild fashioned out a unanimous decision win against Ramil Antaran, Argie Toquero, and Jess Rey Waminal.

In the other results, Berland “The Triggerman” Robles forced Mike Kinaadman to throw in the towel at the end of round six while Yerroge “The Scientific” Gura fought to a majority draw with Arnold Garde.