Bell tolls for PH boxer Bernaldez in Vegas

Too tall, too good, too much for Mark Bernaldez.

Mike Plania holds the distinction of being the first Filipino boxer to fight and win during the coronavirus era.

Plania’s stablemate Bernaldez also made the news yesterday, becoming the first to lose a bout during the pandemic.

Attempting to duplicate Plania’s upset victory last June 16, Bernaldez faced unbeaten American Albert Bell but lost on a shutout 10-round decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The scores were lopsided. All three judges—Tim Cheatham, Richard Ocasio and Max De Luca—saw it 100-90 for the long-armed, six-foot Bell.

Bernaldez, shorter by six inches, was the recipient of Bell’s bombs thrown from afar.

The win boosted Bell’s mark to 17-0 with 5 KOs while the loss dropped Bernaldez’s ledger to 20-4 with 14 KOs.

Bernaldez was the third Filipino puncher to see action during the COVID-19 times after Plania and Reymond Yanong last week also in Las Vegas.

Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. promoted the event in coordination with the Nevada Athletic Commission to guarantee that safety measures are observed.

Yanong is returning to the ring next week while a couple of others will resurface in the next few weeks in other promotions.

Undefeated American Albert Bell, left, scores with a jab against Filipino Mark Bernaldez in their 10-round lightweight match yesterday in Las Vegas. Bell easily won by unanimous decision. (Top Rank photo)