Aguelo wins PBF featherweight crown in Maasin
MISSIONS AND SIGHTS AND MOTIONS
By Maloney Samaco
The euphoria of the Manny Pacquiao win over Miguel Cotto had not die down yet, and Maasinhons once more witnessed a very entertaining boxing extravaganza at the City Gym. This time it’s for real as Philippine Boxing Federation superbantamweight champion Adonis Aguelo, the Pride of Maasin City, faced Eric Macas of Zamboanga City for the vacant PBF featherweight title last November 20, 2009.
Aguelo has to move up a notch higher because of problems maintaining his weight. And Macas is no ordinary boxer from Maranding, Lanao del Norte and based in Zamboanga. He absorbed all of Aguelo’s punches right from the opening bell. He was able to withstand the flurry of the champion’s blows and when the final bell rang, he finished the bout in his feet.
Dubbed “Maasin’s Champion in Action,” the fight was a lopsided contest in favor of the local hero Aguelo. But the crowd who wanted a knockout victory was annoyed because of Macas’ gallant stand against Aguelo’s fists. Macas’ eyes were swollen because he absorbed all the punches he could take but the ring physician Dr. Teodulo Salas. Jr. let him continue with the fight.
The scores were 100-90, 98-92, and 99-91, all in favor of Maasin’s champion. It was supervised by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) through Mr. Rolando Mendoza, GAB Visayas head. The boxing promotion was made possible by the city government of Maasin through the Maasin City Sports Council. It was a traditional yearly presentation for the birthday of Governor Damian Mercado.
It was Aguelo’s eighth win in nine professional bouts with one draw and no defeat. Exuding lots of promises as a rising boxer from Rex Wakee Salud stable, matchmaker Willie Flores wanted him to fight outside the country and will give him a break to challenge the Games and Amusements Board Philippine featherweight title, the most prestigious national championship.
Aguelo hails from Barangay Matin-ao of Maasin City and is the son of the former village chief Gregorio Aguelo, himself a former boxer. It was his father who first introduced him the basics of boxing and he was later turned over by his father to the Maasin City Sports Council. After scoring wins as an amateur boxer in some fiesta bouts and regional and national championships, he turned professional and was taken by RWS stable.
In the supporting bout, Romart Santillas of Mandaue City won by 4th round TKO over Jonrey Canete of Matalom, Leyte. Dizon Cag-ong of Matalom knocked out Ramelo Espra of Mandaue in the first round. While Joel Lagusan of Matalom outpointed Michael Ramos of Maasin in four rounds by a majority decision.
There were several supporting amateur bouts where all Maasin City boxers dominated over their rivals from Matalom and Bato, Leyte. The general admission was given free by the city government to the boxing fans of Maasin and neighboring towns.
