Santisima, Jerusalem maul foes in ‘IDOL 2’

CEBU, Philippines - ALA Boxing Gym stalwarts Jeo ‘Santino’ Santisima and Melvin ‘Gringo’ Jerusalem went through different ways in subduing their respective foes in the ‘IDOL 2’ Pro Boxing Series of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports on Saturday night at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

As promised, Santisima (11-2, 10KOs) put on a show in a methodical third round stoppage of Indonesian Junior Bajawa (14-10, 7KOs), while Jerusalem was pushed to the limit before pounding out a unanimous decision over WBC International light flyweight champion Jonatahan Refugio (15-5, 3KOs) to stretch his unbeaten run to 10-0 packed with 7KOs.

Santisima jumped the gun on Bajawa right after the opening bell, rocking the Indon visitor with a series of telling blows which he sustained in the second round.

Santisima carried on his relentless offensive in the third frame, landing vicious combinations capped by a right overhand that sent his foe down at the seat of his pants. Bajawa failed to get up, forcing referee Romar Embodo to wave off the bout at 1:31 of the round.

“I did not expect to knock him out early because he just keep on covering and running around," said Santisima. "But when I saw an opening, I grabbed the chance and luckily he went down.”

Santisima's trainer Michael Domingo, for his part, said: “Jeo is really ready for a bigger stage. I think he can fight for a regional title, but it will still depend on ALA Promotions.”

Jerusalem, on the other hand, labored hard against Regurio although he was the dominant fighter without question. A powerful right straight by Jerusalem decked Refugio in round four although he quickly recovered from the ordeal.

After 10 rounds of action, Jerusalem earned the nod of three judges with identical scores of 98-91.

      In the other matches, Jess Rhay Waminal escaped with a split decision win over Joe Tejones, Virgil Vitor annihilated Paul Varona in the second round, Esneth Domingo scored a fourth round TKO over Elmer Liboon, while Lawrence Labrada knocked out Tom Rebusit in the opening round.— Lemuel P. Maglinte with Gregy C. Magdadaro (FREEMAN)