Iceman strikes in Lagao
Presco Carcosia survived a flash knockdown in the first round and stayed busy the rest of the way to eke out a split decision over Arnel Baconaje for the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation superfeatherweight title at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City last Sunday. It was a case of which fighter could establish his style to take control of the 10-round bout. Baconaje, built like a tank, failed to consistently apply pressure on Carcosia and his vaunted right hand was used sporadically. Carcosia took advantage of his 69-inch reach to spear Baconaje from a distance and was more active in the trenches.
In the final round, an accidental headbutt drew blood from a cut on Baconaje’s forehead. Ringside physician Dr. Clemente Carlos examined the wound and ruled Baconaje fit to end the bout. Blood dripped into Baconaje’s eye but it had no influence on the outcome. Carcosia, known as the Iceman, broke out in tears when the decision was announced and SanMan stable owner JC Manangquil was relieved. Judge Brembot Dulalas saw it 96-93 and judge Sabas Ponpon, 95-94, both for Carcosia while judge Marlou Neri had it 96-93 for Baconaje. It could’ve gone either way and a rematch seems to be in order.
Carcosia, 26, raised his record to 11-2-1, with nine KOs. He’s unbeaten on home soil as his two losses were by decision in Melbourne and Ota City. Baconaje scaled 139 3/4 in a 12-round loss by majority decision to Hong Quan Dinh in Vietnam last December and had to shed off weight to make the 130-pound limit. The fight was the mainer in the third edition of Manny Pacquiao’s “Blow By Blow” TV series. The first two were held in Mandaluyong. Sunday’s bill of 13 bouts was staged during the Kalilahan Festival celebrating the foundation of General Santos City in 1939 with GAB chairman Atty. Richard Clarin attending.
There were several highlights in the program. Jayson Brillo scored a rousing knockout at 0:58 of the first round over Jayson Francisco in a scheduled eight-round minimumweight contest. Brillo, a southpaw, unleashed a three-punch combination that left Francisco sprawled in a corner for the 10-count. The assault began with a left hook to the side of the body then a right hook to the jaw and finally, a left hook to the other jaw as Francisco was on the way down. Brillo, 21, improved his mark to 6-0-1, with five KOs, four in the first round. Another highlight was rising star Judy Flores’ convincing win by unanimous decision over grizzled warrior Jonathan Taconing in a superflyweight tenner. The two-time world title challenger Taconing, 36 and 12 years older, was dropped once in the second, once in the third, once in the sixth and twice in the seventh but held to last the distance. Flores made his 10-round debut and upped his mark to 12-1, with seven KOs. His only loss was a shutout decision to world-ranked Antonio Nieves in Cleveland last May. It may be curtains for Taconing’s career.
Other highlights were Kenneth Egano’s second-round KO over Jeager Bereno, John May Acope’s fourth-round stoppage of Dennis Gaviola, Pepito Masangkay’s sixth-round disposal of Alven Vergara, Bryl Bayogos’ fifthround demolition of Albert Parilla and Paulo Fortun’s fourth-round blasting of Ian Bargaso. Masangkay’s victory was exciting from start to finish as Vergara was floored in rounds one, two and six. Magsangkay was down in the third. Vergara was badly battered but refused to quit. It took Vergara’s cornerman Ernie Sanchez to signal surrender after Masangkay delivered a series of head-snapping punches. The next “Blow By Blow” is scheduled on March 25 in the prelude to the Elorde Awards Night at the Okada Hotel.