Loreto loses fight
CHALLENGER Rey "Hitman" Loreto of Calinan, Davao City bowed to World Boxing Association (WBA) strawweight champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong via unanimous decision on Saturday, July 15, in Chonburi, Thailand.
Niyomtrong was favored by the three judges, 117-110, 117-110 and 115-113, to keep his unbeaten record (16-0, seven knockouts).
Even though Loreto (23-14, 15 KOs) appeared to be in good shape, his recent performance was never the same from his previous three fights as he had to lose three pounds before the weigh-in.
"Kaya ko naman sana kaso wala na talaga sa kundisyon ang katawan ko at sobrang tamlay ng katawan ko. Di nakarecover (with the training)," Loreto said.
He also said that he dominated the eighth and ninth rounds but was knocked down in the 10th.
"Nagreklamo ako kasi yung suntok niya sabay tulak kaya na outbalance ako," Loreto added.
Despite his strong jabs that severely swelled Niyomtrong's left eye, Loreto accepted that he lost the fight.
"Ginawa ko na lahat pero hindi lang talaga para sa akin yung fight," added Loreto.
He also thought of retiring after the loss, but his manager Joven Jorda restrained him from doing so and planned another option for the Hitman's boxing career.
"Balak namin umakyat uli ng timbang kung saan hiyang ako," Loreto said.
He also said he will rest in the next five months.