STRIVE CCA head coach Lemuel Maglinte was dismayed by recent events that happened between two of his fighters in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
Maglinte’s fighters were up against overweight opponents and one of his fighters, Josh Ybañez, was allegedly robbed of a victory because of bad officiating on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in the “Battle of Supremacy” Amateur and Elite Muay Thai Tournament at the Barangay Balugo Gymnasium.
“They promised a fair tournament, but it was the opposite. It was fishy from the start; both of my fighters came on weight but we were forced to fight overweight opponents,” Maglinte told SunStar Cebu.
“It’s been days since the fight but PTBA (Philippine Thai Boxing Association) hasn’t given an explanation why the judges declared the other party as the winner.”
Ybañez totally dominated Iligan City’s Mark James Torreon despite the two-kilogram weight difference.
The 18-year-old Ybañez battered Torreon in the opening round and his opponent was given a standing eight-count. He continued to dominate the fight in the second round and cruised his way in the third.
Ybañez was so confident that he won the fight that he raised his hand before the verdict was even announced. But to his and his corner’s disbelief, the opponent was awarded the decision win.
“I want to support organizations like these for the development of my fighters and the sport but they showed us poor officiating,” said Maglinte.
EJ Patron, on the other hand, faced Nicky Balagon of Dumaguete Fighting Arts, who was three kilograms overweight.
Patron didn’t let the judges decide on his fate and demolished his opponent in the second round.