ELMO Traya showed a ton of heart, grit and determination as he walked away with a hard-fought split-decision win over Chinese warrior Wei Wei Liu on Saturday night, June 24, 2023, at the Consolacion Sports Complex in Consolacion, Cebu.
Traya expected Liu to be a quick and easy fight. However, Liu came in and tried his best to beat Traya in front of a hometown crowd. Traya was overwhelmed by Liu’s length and relentless attack.
He managed to land his heavy combinations and win enough rounds to win in two of the three judges’ scorecards.
Judges Nic Banal and Angelito Boaquin scored 76-75 and 77-75 in favor of Traya, while Judge Neil Papas saw it differently and gave it 78-74 for Liu.
“I didn’t expect he would be that huge in the fight. He didn’t fight in his usual style. He had a different strategy. I adjusted and held on to finish the fight. It wasn’t easy to win the belt,” said Traya. “I could take his power. I never felt groggy and I was never hurt by his body shots. I believe I need to improve my speed and footwork. I feel I need a couple of fights before I move up and fight bigger fights.”
Moneypunch Promotions head Christian Faust believed that Traya still has a lot to improve on but he was so proud of his ward’s performance.
“He has to improve his timing and his stamina,” said Faust. “He went in with confidence. He went in with pride. He wasn’t going to give up at any stage. I am just filled with joy and love for him.”
Traya won the World Boxing Foundation Australasian super lightweight belt and improved to 13-5 with eight knockouts, while Liu dropped to 4-1 with two knockouts.
In the co-main bout, Christian Balunan (8-0, 4 KOs) remained unbeaten with a unanimous-decision win over Ariston Aton (9-8, 5 KOs). The scorecards were 78-74, 79-73 and 77-75 in favor of Balunan.
In the undercard, Anthony Gilbuela (6-3-2, 2 KOs) dropped Pablito Balidio (8-4-3, 2 KOs) three times and stopped him in the first round, Ramil Macado Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs) scored an eighth-round TKO of previously unbeaten Eldin Guinahon (7-9-1, 8 KOs), veteran Ryan Maano (6-16-2, 2 KOs) handed Niño Rio Saoy (2-1, 1 KO) his first career loss with a first-round knockout, Yeroge Gura (7-0-1, 3 KOs) stopped Audie Dacua (5-3, 4 KOs) in the sixth round, Riel Gabunilas (2-0) walked away with a close unanimous decision victory over Reggie Empis (0-2) and Jusue Bastillada (5-1, 3 KOs) destroyed Wilfredo Rota (0-8).