Rising stars: Filipino bet Cris Leon scores split decision over Singaporean foe

Rising Stars. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Cris Leon scored an upset against Singaporean prospect Muhamad Ridhwan in the Rising Stars fight card Saturday night at Resorts World Manila.

Leon proved to be a tough nut to crack for Ridhwan and earned a split decision victory in the featherweight six-rounder.

The 27-year-old Leon, who already has 18 losses, picked up his 12th win.

Ridhwan, who is a three-time Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist, took just his second loss with 11 wins.

Ibones wins by majority decision.

— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) March 23, 2019

Ridhwan found his groove late in the fight and even dropped Leon in the sixth round.

Huffing and puffing, Leon barely survived the sixth round. He was also deducted by a point in the fifth round for pushing Ridhwan down.

In the opening bout of the main card, Reymark Ibones settled for a majority decision against Henry Lumanan in a four-rounder in the flyweight division.

The Rising Stars boxing event is co-promoted by Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions and Ringstar Asia.