Jun 21, 1998
MANDAUE, CEBU, PHILIPPINES--WBA #1 ranked light flyweight JOMA GAMBOA,
107 1/2, Cebu, proved too powerful and strong for compatriot RAMEL
GEVERO, GAB #4 ranked contender from Manila, 105 1/2, as he displayed a
clearcut one-punch KO with a perfectly-timed right uppercut at 1:21 of
the 6th round in a scheduled 10. Gamboa raised his credentials to
24-3-1, 19 KOs.
The hard-hitting Filipino went to Caracas, Venezuela, and impressively iced ex-WBA light fly champ Carlos Murillo also with a single shot in the first round to win the Fedelatin (Latin American) 108-pound title to his credit. Thanks to this valuable victory, Gamboa moved up to the top rank of the WBA ratings.
The last mandatory defense of the WBA champ Pichit Chor Siriwat, Thailand, took place on Mar. 1, when the lefty speedster outclassed his compatriot Hadao CP Gym on a unanimous decision in Thailand. The WBA rules and regulations say that the WBA champ must defend his crown against the No.1 contender in 9 months from the last mandatory defense. It means that Pichit will be logically obliged to face #1 contender Joma Gamboa by Dec. 1.
The lanky Filipino, Gamboa, pressed the action from the outset. But he looked a bit too eager to finish the shorter opponent early. Gamboa was in command in every round, but Gevero showed his determination and refused to go down despite his absorption of much punishment.
The 6th, however, witnessed Joma's terrific right uppercut explode at the chin of the tough hombre. Gevero fell on all fours, and barely stood up at the count of 7. He was miserably staggering on his rubbery legs to be counted out by the referee. The crowd of Cebu praised Joma's very impressive triumph.
Game and busy Archie Ano-os kept punching all the way en route to a
4th-round stoppage of Jimmy Laping, from Manila, in a semi-final
super-bantam 10. Amateur Philippine national feather champ Randy Suico
showed his tremendous power punching by demolishing Tadeo Diongson in
two rounds. Though this was not a professional bout, Suico looked very
promising if he enters the paid ranks.
Promoter: Samson Gello-ani.
(6-21-98)