La Salle fighters shine in URCC University Challenge

MANILA—All but one fighter out of De La Salle University came out on top in a stacked fight card while other schools also stamped their marks in the Colt 45 URCC 2011 University Challenge Friday night at One Esplanade in Pasay.

La Salle’s top bets Meshaal Al-khuzeem, Jojo Tabang and JR Rulloda all hacked out impressive victories in an event which showcased prized collegiate fighters, with pride and bragging rights at stake.

The 21-year-old Al-Khuzeem, victor of three of six University challenges, was unsinkable anew as he relentlessly pummeled challenger Jett Hermida of Technological Institute of the Philippines which resulted to a referee stoppage.

Tabang, who strut his stuff in the co-main event, held Edgar Panaguiton of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila at his mercy with a crippling arm bar with under twenty ticks left in the opening round.

Rulloda submitted Ronald Castro of New Era University in the 10th match of the night while Robert Darrel Tan, the only casualty for La Salle, wilted against Matthew Palomar of University of the East also on a tap out.

Fadi Alhamoui of University of Regina Carmeli made short work, needing just sixty seconds to dispose of newcomer Jessie Durial of Emilio Aguinaldo College with an arm bar.

Jose Rizal University’s Leo Llamas won over Fatima University’s Jordan Lapid via technical knockout in the first minute of the first round, while comebacking Carlos Aljama of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa exacted revenge and defeated last-minute addition Glen Ranillo from CCM Manila via a majority decision.

Perpetual Help’s Alvin Solinap

Another late addition to the 16-fight line up, Alvin Solinap redeemed himself from a quick setback in the last University challenge as he finished Jovannie De Dios of College for Research and Technology off with a vicious ground and pound with 1:58 into the second round.

Solinap of University of Perpetual Help opening up with a series of solid connections to the face, recovered from getting his below the belt before dominating De Dios for a referee stoppage.

Mark Samar of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina also claimed victory on a first round stoppage after he left Louie Curilan of Tesda Pulang Lupa Las Pinas cowering on the ground as he unleashed one solid strike after another.

Heavy punches from the burly Paolo Broqueza, the only successful representative from TIP Quezon City, proved to be enough to put away Mapua’s Reyvier John Serrano a minute and twenty seconds into the first round.

Serrano struggled to keep straight after absorbing relentless punches from Broqueza as he was struck down twice before the referee halted the fight.

A flambouyant Carlo Laurel of West Bay College in Muntinlupa forged a split decision over Jay-r Bermoy of Perpetual Help.

The 18-year-old Laurel, who came out playing with the crowd as he danced in the ring with matching hand gestures, got off to a slow start but ultimately got a few breaks on the ground which was enough to sway the judges.

Jerome Concepcion defeated Charles Marvin Alo of University of the Philippines while Ronaldo Gabriel Dy of Lyceum triumphed over Centro Escolar University’s Paul Adovas and Robin Pajantoy of University Eastern Philippines over Jonie Cinco of PMI Colleges, all via unanimous decision.

JRU’s Dame Mielle de Vela and Paolo Borillo of Baptist Bible College Asia completed the cast of winners.

De Vela won by majority decision over Rocky Vergara of Tesda while Borillo scored a referee stoppage win against Macoy Tabo of PLM College, respectively.