JOHN Paul Gabunilas scored an impressive sixth-round technical knockout of Indonesian youngster Wandi Priman Hulu to win the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific Youth light flyweight belt last Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Talisay Sports Complex in Talisay City.

Gabunilas landed a left hook to the body that hurt Hulu and forced him to back up. He didn’t give Hulu any time to recover and pinned him to the corner. He unleashed some heavy shots and landed a solid straight right to the head that snapped Hulu’s head back, forcing referee Rey Caitom to step in and stop the action at the 2:43 mark of the sixth round.

The 22-year-old Gabunilas improved to 10-1 with seven knockouts, while Hulu suffered his first career defeat and dropped to 2-1-1.

In the undercard, former amateur standout Ramil Macado (6-0, 2 KOs) scored a lopsided unanimous decision over Francis Jay Diaz (8-5-1, 1 KO), Berland Robles (8-0, 3 KOs) outclassed Ariston Aton (9-7, 5 KOs) by unanimous decision, Rhonvex Capuloy (10-2-1, 7 KOs) scored a fourth-round knockout of Junrel Jimenez (8-3-1, 5 KOs), Angelus Pilapil (1-0, 1 KO) had an impressive ring debut with a first-round knockout of fellow newcomer Jay-ar Galleposo (0-1) and Marco Pomar (6-2, 2 KOs) beat experienced Anthony Galigao (9-20, 4 KOs) by unanimous decision. (EKA)