Wa-o captures Luzon pro boxing crown

BENGUET’S undefeated boxer Rex Wa-o came charging and kept his winning run to capture the vacant Luzon Professional Boxing Association (Luzproba) super bantamweight title during the weekend in the event dubbed King of the Ring III.

Wa-o of the Highland Boxing Gym pressed early to score a sensational fourth round knock-out against Leyteño Dino Lelis in the co-main event of the night at the Victory Mall Central in Caloocan.

“Masipag sa training si Rex kaya nung makakita ako ng pagkakataon na lumaban sya sa championship kahit dito sa Pilipinas lang eh kinuha na rin namin,” said Highland boxing gym boxing manager Brico Santig, who also promoted the fight together with Thai boxing patron Naris Singwancha.

It will be Wa-o’s sixth straight career win in boxing after going 0-2 in mix martial arts while handling Lelis his 10th loss that goes with nine wins and two draws.

“Hopefully magpakita ulit sya ng magandang laban sa susunod para magtuloy – tuloy din yung pag-angat nya sa boxing,” added Santig.

Another undefeated boxer from Highland gym, Stephen Gelawa, also scored a knock-out in thrilling four rounds in flooring Arnel Taganas in their super featherweight clash.

Gelawa now has four wins and one draw with two knock-outs while Taganas suffered his sixth loss with two wins.

In the main event of the evening, 21-year-old Gensan’s fighter Alie Laurel (9-2, 5 KO’s) of the Manny Pacquiao Stable scored a five round technical knockout over veteran Rodel Quilotan, during their all-out battle for the coveted Luzproba bantamweight (118 lbs) belt.

Reigning WBC ABCO Continental Jr. Flyweight (108 lbs) champion 20-year-old Davaeño Jay-ar Estremos (9-5, 3 KO’s) pinned a fast and impressive knocked out win in the very first stanza over surprised veteran Ryan Maliteg in their non-title match. (Roderick Osis)