Sabaupan escapes to victory in CamSur By Dennis U. Eroa PhilBoxing Sun, 30 Mar 2014 FROM shock to jubilation. This happened last Saturday at the jampacked Capitol Cultural Center in Pili, Camarines Sur as Al ‘‘Captain A’’ Sabaupan scored a nerve-wracking 8th round knockout over former WBC international titleholder Rachamongkol Sor Pleonchit of Thailand. Sabaupan, whose rise to the boxing ladder got stymied after losing close bouts twice in Mexico, went down in the 4th round as the Thai showed his worth before riproaring fans headed by youthful Camarines Sur Governor Miguel ‘‘Migz’’ Villafuerte, his father LRay Villafuerte, Saved by the Bell president Elmer Anuran and executives Danny Anuran and Rod Nebiar. But the initial fear that Sabaupan, a native of Sipocot in Camarines Sur, would not be up to the task proved untrue. The 5-foot-7 Sabaupan (21-2-1, 16 knockouts) survived the round and slowly but surely gained the upperhand with his thunderous combinations which rocked the head and body of the Thai fighter. The crowd cheered and jumped in unison as Sabaupan caught the Thai with an overhand left in the 8th. The Thai fell like a log as veteran international referee Ver Abainza stepped in. ‘‘I don’t want to disappoint my provincemates. The governor and his father were watching and I have a mission to fulfill,’’ said Sabaupan, who is known in the local and international boxing circle as Manny Pacquiao look-alike. Anuran, who expressed his gratitude to the support given by provincial government, said the victory showed that his ward remains a strong world title prospect. ‘‘First, I would like to thank Governor Migz and his father LRay for their whole-hearted support. I also would like to thank the Bicolanos for their hospitality,’’ said Touch Gloves owner Anuran, who promoted the event. ‘‘With the win, I will send Al to the United States for training,’’ stressed Anuran. Dubbed as Bicol against the World, Governor Migz said the blockbuster event signaled the start of boxing extravaganza in his turf. The province is known for its Camsur Watersports Complex. ‘‘With Saved by the Bell, the province plans to hold more boxing events. We want to give Pinoy boxers the chance to show their worth,’’ said the young Villafuerte. Anuran said he plans to bring Mexican boxers to the second edition of the event this May.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 04:45:48 +0000
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