Dubai: The Filipino contingent demolished their opponents with knockout victories in Friday night's "Philippines vs Rest of the World" boxing card at Chi, The Lodge.
Knockout artist Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista, a former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) intercontinental and World Boxing Council (WBC) interim international featherweight champion, led that onslaught as he sent Thailand's Saichon Sotornpitak to the canvas in 1 minute, 59 seconds of the sixth round to improve his record to 28-2 with 21 wins within the distance.
"It was a tough fight for me; I just came from an injury and we had to cram our preparations for this event. We also did not quite know what to expect from my opponent as no one from my team had seen his fights, while they had been able to see some of mine. So I just tried to fight the way I know how and I'm happy I won with God's help. I had to fight well so the boxing fans could witness a real and live fight and enjoy it," said Bautista in an interview with Gulf News.
Bautista, who headlined the card, had a cut above his left eye from a head butt, but he said it didn't cause any serious problem for him.
Defending title
Meanwhile, Milan "Milenyo" Melindo successfully defended his WBC youth intercontinental flyweight championship belt after scoring a fourth-round technical knockout against another Thai boxer, Komrit Twins Gym.
Komrit was a last-minute replacement for Colombia's Devis Perez, whose flight to Dubai was affected by the closure of airports in Europe.
"I am so thankful and happy that I won the fight tonight. It is my first time to have a fight outside of the Philippines. For me, boxing is a science. I usually study my opponents in the first round of the fight and from there I can already adjust my defence and offence," said Melindo, who has a perfect 21-win record.
Easily one of the best technical boxers in the Philippines today, Melindo's excellent technique helped him keep his opponent at bay throughout the abbreviated fight.
Larry "Bon Jovi" Canillas likewise came out with an impressive knockout win, unleashing powerful right crosses and uppercuts that brought down Tanzania's Fred Sayuni in the sixth round.
"I am happy for this win and for being part of this event. I did a good performance tonight and was pleased to see many boxing aficionado's during the fight, especially our countrymen. We all fight for them," share Canillas, who like Melindo is also fighting for the first time abroad.
Dubai-based KO promotions and Philippine-based ALA Gym promotions were likewise satisfied with the result of their inaugural promotion in Dubai.
"This was two years in the making and now it's realised. Despite the minor problems, it was all worth it. We are very happy to have the boxing event here in Dubai.
"There are so many Filipino expatriates and as well as boxing fans from other nationalities. I hope Dubai will have more boxing events here and hopefully we will be back this year in October," said Michael Aldeguer of ALA Gym Promotions.
Zack Taumafai of KO promotions, for his part, said the event was a good starting-off point for boxing in Dubai and the UAE.
"The crowd might not have been that much, but at least we've started this one and will continue to have boxing events like this. For sure, there are so many people in Dubai who are boxing fanatics and even boxing aspirants. This is a good start for the boxing industry," said Taumafai.
