BOBBY “The Sniper” Pacquiao finally redeemed himself as he demolished Decho Bankluaygym and wrested the World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific lightweight crown, yesterday, at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
Pacquiao decked Bankluaygym with a well-placed right jab and left straight combination to the jaw in 2:27 mark of the eighth round of their regional championship battle.
The punch was so powerful that Bankluaygym wobbled and fell to the corner after he was counted out.
Medical personnel immediately had the Thai don an oxygen mask as he was still groggy when they tried to lift him to the chair.
Bankluaygym was also caught with that same combination in the sixth round that knocked him down.
“There will be a big fight for me in the US soon,” Pacquiao told Sun.Star Cebu after he won the fight.
On the other hand, his mother Dionisia, who was cheering at ring side, was elated with the victory.
“Salamat sa Ginoo nidaug gyud,” said Dionisia.
Pacquiao improved his professional record to 29-14-3, with 14 KOs while Bankluaygym dropped to 28-11-2, 19 KO’s.
On the other hand, Rolly “Matsushita” retained his Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation title after a hard-fought battle against Thai warrior Kaonah Klongphajon.
Their match ended in a unanimous decision in favor of the champion, 117-109, 118-109 and 116-112.
In the supporting bouts, Manny Pacquaio sparmate David Rodela destroyed Arnel Porras in a 4th round TKO victory after the latter refused to continue; Jaime Barcelona won against Daryl Pucdol by unanimous decision, JV “Fighting Doc” Tuazon and Jarol Rosales fought to a majority draw; Mark Anthony Geraldo triumphed over Israel Salud via first round TKO; Jetly Purisima had a unanimous decision victory over Roel Golez; Ryan Tampus crushed Ging Daculiat in a first round TKO and William Jorge edged Marlon Alta via unanimous decision. (EKA)
