Gonzales decisions Barriga

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino challenger Mark Anthony Barriga fell short in another world title shot, absorbing a unanimous decision loss against reigning WBO light flyweight champion Jonathan Gonzales of Puerto Rico yesterday at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Barriga, a 2012 London Olympian, started strong but faded late in the championship rounds to surrender a 115-113, 117-111, 117-111 defeat against the heavy favorite Puerto Rican.

It’s the second title miss for the Panabo City native after yielding to Mexican Carlos Licona via split decision in the IBF strawweight championship in 2018.

The 2014 Asian Games bronze medalist went on a 27-month hiatus from there, then notched two big wins last year to prime up for Gonzales only to miss out on a title win once again.

He actually held his ground with crisp hooks and quick jabs that kept Gonzales at bay but the bigger champion wore down the gritty Pinoy challenger as he dominated the crucial Rounds 10 to 12.

Barriga, 29, absorbed only his second loss for an 11-2 record with two knockouts. For Gonzales, it’s his first successful title defense after winning the belt from Mexican Elwin Soto last year.

through a split decision win.

He improved to 26-3-1 with 14 knockouts.