This past Saturday was an incredibly busy day, especially for Filipino fans, who had bouts involving their fighters through out the day.

Cebu, Philippines
Fans in the Philippines had a good day with a trio of shows, 2 of which were in Cebu.

For us the more interesting of the two was at the Mandaue city Grand Fiesta Carnival as we got several interesting prospects, a major upset, and a few notable “journeymen”.

The big upset came in the only title bout on the show as the highly experienced Edgar Gabejan (27-31-6, 9) scored a shock 8th round KO against Marbon Bodiongan (11-3-2, 9) to successfully defended the Philippines Games & Amusement Board (GAB) Super Featherweight title. Although on paper this was a huge mismatch it now seems clear that Gabejan has one of the many “misleading” records that we find through out the Filipino boxing scene.

Another man with a misleading record on this show was Gerpaul Valero (19-16-3, 13) who made light work of Nicardo Calamba (6-20-3, 3) courtesy of a 2nd round KO. This was an expected win for Valero who has really turned his career around after having been 1-13-3 just 4 years ago. A third man who proved how “wrong” his record was was Rodel Wenceslao (9-11-1, 3) who stopped Takamori Akita (10-5-1, 8).

It wasn't all about the “misleading” records however and it was good to see the promising Neil John Tabanao (11-0, 7) continue his perfect start as he over-came the experienced Jason Egara (21-13, 10) with a 10 round decision win. Another unbeaten man in action was Ardie Boyose (15-0-1, 11) who blew away Joel Escol (8-18-3, 5) inside a round.

In a 6 rounder fans saw Rommick Magos (11-4, 7) see off Juma Diana (2-10, 2) in the 2nd round whilst a 4 rounder saw the debuting Morten Olson (1-0, 1) blow away Holly Quinones (0-4) in just 77 seconds.

Cebu, Philippines
There was another show in Cebu that was equally as interesting.

In the main event ended in a genuine upset as Rene Dacquel (14-4-1, 5) took a split decision over the previously unbeaten Melvin Gumban (19-1, 10) and claimed the GAB Super Flyweight title. Gumban was defending the belt for the first time following his opening round blow out of Wiljan Ugbaniel in January though was unable to over-come the more battled hardened Dacquel. Despite the loss we do see Gumban coming back and he still has a bright future ahead of him.

In the chief support bout was saw Jason Canoy (23-5-2, 17) blow away Juren Labordo (14-3, 9) in the 2nd round. Labordo was unable to take Canoy's power and was down 3 times in the round.

In a 6 rounder Cris Ganoza (5-0, 1) claimed his first stoppage win as he over-came Rafael Sueno (3-3, 3) with a 4th round TKO. Another unbeaten man extending his winning run was Virgel Vitor (4-0, 2), who stopped Kenneth Neron (1-2-1) in the 3rd round.

Lower down this card we did see a couple of upsets. The most notable of those saw Andrew Palas (4-3, 1) take a decision win over the previously unbeaten Jeffrey Concerman (3-1, 1) whilst another saw Raul Yu (6-1, 5) defeat Gerard Suico (4-1, 3).

Metro Manila, Philippines
The third of the Filipino shows came from Mero Manila and seemed to see all the bouts going the “expected” way.

In the main event fans saw former world title challenger Michael Farenas (40-5-3, 32) make light work of Thai foe Chaiyong Sithsaithong (36-14-4, 26) with a 2nd round stoppage. Chaiyong was dropped twice in the round with the referee saving the over-matched Thai, who suffered only his second stoppage loss.

In the chief support bout fans saw the unbeaten Rommel Oliveros (4-0-1, 1) take a competitive decision win over journeymen Ricky Oyan (4-24-2, 2) in what turned out to be a good test for the novice, despite looking like a mismatch on paper.

Sadly the 6 rounders weren't particularly competitive. One of those saw Ryan Sermona (17-7, 10) force a stoppage of Gilbert Donasales (5-9-1, 3) whilst another saw experienced traveler Cris Alfante (11-4, 3) score a 2nd round TKO against Rolando Niones (4-17-2, 2).

In the 4 rounders we saw a bit of everything. One of those was a blow out as Mike Mirafuentes (3-1-1, 3) took care of Arben Escayo (0-4) in just 61 seconds. A more competitive saw the debuting Argie Guiriba (1-0) defeat fellow debutant Jovil Helario (0-1), with Helario being dropped in the opening round. The most competitive of the 4 rounders however saw Glen Medura (1-1-1, 1) trade knockdowns with Manny Mamacquiao (0-6-1) with Medura taking the split decision.

Haikou, China
In China fans saw the talented Froilan Saludar (22-1-1, 14) move a step towards a world title fight as he claimed the WBO Inter-Continental Flyweight title with a 5th round TKO against Indonesian journeyman Faris Nenggo (10-8-3, 3). Coming into this bout Nenggo was flying high from a shock TKO win over former world champion Merlito Sabillo though he couldn't over-come Saludar who is now 3-0 following his defeat to McWilliams Arroyo last June.

Distrito Federal, Mexico
Things weren't as good for Filipino fans who stayed up to watch Jeffrey Arienza (12-4-1, 7), who was stopped in 6 rounds by former world title challenger Dante Jardon (26-5, 21). This bout, for the WBC International silver Lightweight title, saw the Filipino suffering his second successive defeat, following a loss last November to Japanese novice Daishi Nagata. Although Arienza was more than competitive early on he ran out of steam before being stopped.

Queensland, Australia
In Australia we did see a slight shock as Aussie based Thai Arnon Yuchareon (0-8-1) managed to score a draw with Ben Kite (1-2-1). It was the first time Arnon had managed to avoid a defeat and it was a well earned draw for the still-win-less Thai ho continues to prove that his record is misleading, despite the fact he's nothing “special” as a fighter.

Although this Saturday wasn't a great one for Western boxing fans it was an interesting one for Asian fans with bouts across the continent.

Tokyo, Japan
The most notable bout came in Japan and although Japanese fans at the Korakuen Hall weren't treat to a great card or an amazing show, but they were treat to a card with a significant bout on it as a world ranked fighter was in action and show casing his skills in front of them.

That world class fighter was Japanese Flyweight champion Suguru Muranaka (20-2-1, 7) who showed that he hit harder than his record indicated as he saw off the gallant challenge of Yusuke Sakashita (12-5, 7). Sakashita, started very well though in the second half Muranaka manged to cut the distance before landing a bomb to send Sakashita down and forcing the referee to stop the contest. Prior to the stoppage Muranaka had been given a serious test though will be glad to see that his power is becoming more notable with this being his second successive stoppage, as well as his second national title defense.

The chief support bouts were both 8 round contests. One of these saw Yusuke Tsukada (7-4, 3) managing to over-come the much more experienced Takashi Inagaki (17-13-1, 7) with a well earned decision. The other 8 rounder lasted just 77 seconds as Yuto Shimizu (8-2-2, 2) swiftly dispatched of Indonesian visitor Muhammad Imam (9-6, 3). Imam has not lost 4 successive bouts including a trio of opening round blow outs and it's clear that he needs to be careful about who he gets in the ring with in the future.

We also had a quick blow out in one of the 2 bouts scheduled for 6 rounds. This saw Kensuke Sasaki (2-1, 2) dispose of Jack Madison (2-3) after 179 seconds in what was a horrible match up for the Indonesia. Although Sasaki's record doesn't show it he is a talented fighter and we suspect he could go a very long way in this sport of managed properly. The other 6 rounder saw Yudai Arai (5-1-3, 3) score a 6th round stoppage over Tomoyuki Kaneko (7-4, 4), giving Kaneko his first stoppage loss.

The 4 opening bouts, all 4 rounders, saw just one bout finish inside the distance as Fumio Ujihara (3-2, 3) took out Shintaro Hirohama (1-3-1, 1) in the second round. The other 4 rounders saw Hideaki Takasgi (1-0) claim a clear debut win over fellow debutant Nozomu Akitsuki (0-1), the previously win-less Ryo Nakano (1-2) claim his maiden victory with a narrow decision over Joji Tsuchiya (1-2, 2) and Akihiro Yamanaka (3-3) leveled off his record as he over-came Shohei Niwa (1-2)

Benguet, Philippines
As well as the title fight in Japan we also had one in the Philippines as Argie Toquero (8-3-1, 6) quickly took card of Japan's Takaya Kakutani (7-5, 6) with an opening round blow out to claim the WBC Youth Super Featherweight title.

Taal, Batangas, Philippines
In another title fight in the Philippines saw former world title challenger Ardin Diale (24-9-3, 10) pull himself off the canvas to stop the previously unbeaten Renerio Arizala (11-1-1, 4) in a defense of his GAB Flyweight title. For Diale this was his first bout since his war with Koki Eto earlier this year and although he won here it does seem likely that that bout will have long term effects on his punch resistance.

In another title fight on the same show Rene Dacquel (12-3-1, 4) claimed the WBC Youth Intercontinental Super Flyweight title with an 8th round KO against fellow Filipino Menard Abila (5-2-4, 1). For Dacquel this is his first WBC affiliated title and we suspect he'll step up in an attempt to collect another next year.

Surprisingly the other title bout on the card managed to go the distance as the explosive Warlito Parrenas (22-6, 19) took a wide unanimous decision over Indonesian Espinos Sabu (11-2-1, 5) to retain his WBO Oriental Super Flyweight title. Parrenas, a really thunderous puncher with an extremely aggressive mindset hadn't seen a bout go the distance since a 2007 loss to Philip Parcon more than 20 fights ago! Sadly for Sabu this was a second successive set back following a loss, earlier this year, to Rusalee Samor in Thailand.

In the undercard bouts on this show fans saw Nino Magboo (17-2-1, 8) pull himself off the canvas to take a 10 round decision over Rex Olisa (10-26-1, 8). In the show's other 10 rounder we saw an early victory for Rey Juntilla (18-6-3, 12) who easily saw off Jovill Marayan (8-19-3, 3 in 2 rounds.

In one of the two bouts scheduled for 8 rounds Jheritz Chavez (3-0-2, 2) took a decision win over the previously unbeaten Jonathan Dela Cruz (5-1, 2) in a close fight that Dela Cruz dropped and deducted a point in round 5, the other 8 rounder saw Jon Jon Estrada (5-1-1, 4) make light work of Gilbert Donasales (5-8-1, 3) who lasted just 3 rounds before being knocked out.

Misamis Oriental, Philippines
The least significant of the 3 Filipino shows came from Miasamis Oriental which hosted a 10 bout show with various interesting names.

The most notable name in action was Froilan Saludar (20-1-1, 13), one of 3 Saludar's in action, who made light work of Juan Purisima (11-6-1, 4) with a 2nd round KO. For Saludar this was his first bout since being knocked out himself in an IBF Flyweight title eliminator by McWilliams Arroyo and it's good to see him scoring a win even if the level was way lower than his previous fight.

Another 2nd round KO was scored by Edward Mansito (12-1-2, 6) who took care of Jilo Merlin (13-21-2, 2) in a scheduled 10 rounder. Another 10 round went into round 7 before the very promising Jessie Espinas (9-1, 5) stopped Rodel Tejares (20-31-6, 5).

In the sole 8 rounder Vic Saludar (7-1, 6) took his first decision win as he over-came the tough JR Salvador (5-20-3).

In 6 rounders we saw a trio of fighter remain unbeaten. These saw Jeronil Borres (5-0, 5) stop Jackloard Dao-Ay (1-1, 1) inside a round whilst Rence Bryan Magacre (5-0, 3) out pointed Edward Joaquino (2-3) and Freddie Bisande (5-0-2, 2) took a decision over Kerome Ministerio (3-2, 2).

The 4 rounders all saw stoppages. On of those was a 2nd round KO by Vanjune Saludar (3-0, 2), who stopped Jhon Leo Galleposo (1-6, 1), whilst another was a 2nd round TKO scored by Reben Prongco (1-0, 1) who defeated Roy-Roy Morano (0-2-1). The longest of the 6 rounders went 3 rounds as Robert Paradero (2-0, 1) took 3 rounds to see off Jade Dadang (0-2)

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
In Thailand fans saw some action courtesy of Kokietgym.

The most notable of the bouts saw PABA Light Flyweight champion Paipharob Kokietgym (27-0, 20) successfully retain his title with a clear win over Filipino Mateo Handig (13-7, 7) who suffered a second successive loss to a world class fighter following his controversial win over Katsunari Takayama back in 2012. Paipharob probably now needs a major bout before he starts to become the "forgotten man" of the Light Flyweight division. Interestingly the division is open right now, unfortunately though Paipharob isn't an attractive opponent for any top fighter in the division and he may struggle to get a world title fight in the next or so.

The other bout saw the unbeaten Saenganan KKP (9-0, 5) score a points win over the unknown Madis (0-1) a supposed debutant, though as with many guys on Thai under-cards it's hard to be sure.

(Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp)

Bayamon, Puerto Rico
The biggest fight this past Thursday was in the Puerto Rican city of Bayamon as the previously undefeated Froilan Saludar (19-1-1, 12) took on Puerto Rico's very own McWilliams Arroyo (15-1, 13) in a bout to become the IBF mandatory challenger at Flyweight. Sadly it ended in heart break for Saludar who started well before being flattened by a single shot in the final minute of round 2. The shot not only put Saludar down for the count but rendered him senseless for a few moments with his eyes looking glazed over. His heart kicked in and he tried to stand but to no available.

Whilst the result in Bayamon was clearly important for Filipino fans it was also a big one for Thai fans with Arroyo now being the #1 contender for the unbeaten Amnat Ruenroeng in a fight that looks incredibly interesting. Amnat would probably be favoured over the Puerto Rican but it does seem that Arroyo has got the power to hurt guys and the Thai would have to be cautious about it.

Sanaa, Yemen
In the first Yemeni show in, well, a while, we were all hoping to see the return of KO sensation Ali Raymi, the 20-0 (20) KO machine who has never been beyond a round. Instead we ended up with just 2 low level bouts, the most interesting of which saw Prince Maz (6-0,4) taking a 3rd round DQ victory over the much lighter hitting Abdu Sameer (5-2, 1). This as Sameer's 2nd loss in 3 bouts and and we're wondering if we'll see him in the ring again any time soon.

The other bout saw Akram Jafwi (6-1, 1), a former Ali Raymi victim, taking a 4 round shut out decision over Othman Qasim (6-2, 2).

With no sign of whether Raymi will continue his career we're at a loss as to what the Yemeni boxing scene may have for us in the future, though we will continue to follow it and hope that it grows to actually developing a genuine world title contender.