US routs Puerto Rico, 8 - 0, to win WBC tilt

NEWLY-crowned World Boxing Council ( WBC) Youth Intercontinental lightweight champion Romero “Ruthless” Duno of Sanman Promotions signed up with the Golden Boy Promotions of former world champion Oscar dela Hoya in Los Angeles.

“Yes, Duno has signed up to a multiyear promotional contract already with the Golden Boy Promotions,” Sanman Promotions Chief Executive Officer Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil of General Santos City confirmed Thursday.

"We saw Romero's power in the ring - he is the real deal," said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya.

"He has exceptional power, along with the talent and desire to be a great fighter. He could be the next big boxing star from the Philippines as time is on his side, and I'm pleased he chose Golden Boy to introduce him to a wider audience in the U.S."

Duno, who holds the record 13-1, 12 knockouts, saw action in the ring at the March 10 edition of La Fight Club where he scored a second round knockout of Christian "Chimpa" Gonzalez (16-1, 14 KOs) to claim the WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight title in his U.S. debut before a sold out crowd at the Belasco Theater and televised live on Estrella TV's Boxeo Estelar.

"I am very thankful to Golden Boy Promotions for giving me a chance to showcase my talent on the big stage," said Duno, who was given a hero's welcome on Tuesday in his hometown General Santos City.

"I also want to thank my team Sanman Boxing for believing in me. I still can’t believe that this is happening to me, God is good."

At 21, Duno has accumulated an impressive record that represents his speed and skill as a knockout artist, with three of his last four wins coming by way of stoppage.

Having turned pro in July 2014, Duno has fought only twice outside of the Phillipines: Russia in May 2016 where he experienced his first career loss and March 2017 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles.

Duno received a hero's welcome when he returned home to the Phillipines from Los Angeles on March 22, with hundreds greeting and cheering him at the airport. PNA LOS ANGELES -- The eagle has landed on top.

The United States routed Puerto Rico 8-0 to win its first World Baseball Classic in four tries on Wednesday night behind six hitless innings from Marcus Stroman.

The Americans planted their eagle statue mascot on the mound in celebration, a blue cap jauntily hanging from one of its large wings.

"It's a different feeling when the USA is on your chest," first baseman Eric Hosmer said. "We wanted to get the U.S. back on top of the baseball world, and we did that."

For a sport known as America's pastime, the U.S. had struggled since the WBC began in 2006. Twice, the Americans lost in the second round and they went out in the semifinals in 2009.

This time was different.

"These guys were here to do their best," Team USA general manager Joe Torre said. "The thing I marveled at was how quickly they came together, and Jimmy (Leyland) deserves a lot of that credit. They're just a great group who understood what this event is all about."

Accepting the trophy from baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, manager Leyland told the crowd, "This is for the men and women who serve our country." AP