CALATRAVA-native John Michael Zulueta became the new Asian Boxing Federation minimumweight champion after beating Cris Ganoza of Cebu via split decision in the Highland–Guanzon Boxing Promotion's Bakbakan held Saturday at the Gaisano City Mall in Bacolod City.
Judges Henry Cestina and Gedione Nietes favored Zulueta, 99-91 and 97-93, respectively, while Carlos Costa gave Ganoza a close 96-94 score.
With his victory, Zulueta remained undefeated with eight wins and pair of draws including three knockouts and eight stoppages.
Bago City-pride Joepher Montaño pounded Danilo Peña with solid punches forcing the 140-pounded to retire before the 7th round of the scheduled 8 rounds. The win also improved Montaño's record to 8 wins (7 KOs), a pair of draws and losses.
In the other undercard, Murcia's Ernesto Alera dominated Bayawan City's Marlou Sandoval by unanimous decision as judge Frank Alojado scored 59-55 while Cestina and Nietes have 58-56 each.
These professional bouts were sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board headed by Chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra.
For the Mayor Bing Leonardia Boxing Development Program, results are 22 kgs - Reniel Bantillo of Granada defeated AJ Daclan of Barangay Singcang-Airport; 26 kgs – Russel Caciano of Barangay Bata ruled Carl Jon Sornido of Barangay Singcang-Airport;
Benedict Esmolo of Barangay Singcang-Airport stopped Rommel Bantillo of Barangay Granada; 29 kgs – Kynrich Monteclaro of Barangay Bata over Michael Salosada of Barangay 39; 37 kgs – Jonas Tobongbanua knocked out Reymark Calago of Barangay Granada in 1 minute and 5 seconds of the 2nd round; 44 kgs – James Marter and Joselito Jabillana of Barangay 39 scored unanimous decision over Jericho Villarias and Jay Barredo of Barangay Singcang-Airport, respectively;
For 45 kgs, Julius Salbibia of Murcia won over Cauayan's Mark Joseph Gelasing; 48 kgs – Jerson dela Cruz dominated Marlon Alejandro of Cauayan; 51 kgs – Rafael Ferrer of Barangay Granada knocked Francis Laminez in 1 minute and 5 seconds of the opening round as Cauayan's Niko Quiocson stopped Ricky delos Santos of Barangay Handumanan in 58 seconds of the 2nd round;
Joshua Belizena of Barangay 39 stopped Jonel Francisco of Murcia; 52 kgs – Barangay Handumanan's Rodel Sioco and Jonel Alit hammered Radjie Escalona of Murcia and Joemarie Lacio of Cauayan, respectively; and Tamtam dela Cruz of Murcia triumphed over Randy Tanodra of Barangay 39 in the 61 kgs.
This grassroots tournament is spearheaded by the Bacolod Amateur Boxing Association under former GAB chair Monju Guanzon.
