Kumbati 2 Baconaje shocks Mangubat

CEBU, Philippines —  Omega Boxing Gym top prospect Tomjune ‘Wardog’ Mangubat failed to prove that he is ready for the bigger stage after suffering a shocking eight round knockout defeat at the hands of Arnel ‘Silencer’ Baconaje in their WBC Asia silver featherweight showdown in the main event of ‘Kumbati 2’ the other night at the Parkmall grounds.

The 21-year-old Mangubat was planning to strengthen his campaign for a world ranking, but fell short after he was outpowered and outsmarted by Baconaje.

Mangubat engaged Baconaje in a toe-to-toe battle in the opening round, but Baconaje closed the distance followed by strong body punches.

Both fighters were deducted points by excessive lowblows.

In the eighth round, Mangubat became tentative against Baconaje, capitalized by connecting a crushing overhand right that Omega Gym fighter on the canvass. Mangubat was momentarily out of his senses as he failed to recover forcing referee Romar Embudo to stop the fight at the 1:37 mark of the round.

Baconaje improved his record to 11-3, spiked with nine stoppages, while Mangubat suffered his first career loss in 11 pro bouts.

In the supporting bouts, two other Omega Gym boxers in Mark Vicelles and Ponciano Rimandiman both scored tough wins.

Vicelles (10-0, 5KOs) punched his way to a hard-earned majority decision victory over the very game Robert Onggocan (11-5, 7KOs), while Ponciano Rimandiman (10-4, 5KOs) won via unanimous decision over Rowel Rosia (14-8, 7KOs).