Al Toyogon (left) connects on a left against Rimar Metuda during their Blow-by-Blow lightweight bout in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-Al Toyogon scored a majority decision over Rimar Metuda late Saturday night during Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-by-Blow at the Narvacan Gymnasium in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
The 25-year-old Toyogon earned the Philippine Boxing Federation belt and improved to 14-8-2 with nine knockouts.
Representing Elorde Boxing of Vigan, Toyogon, originally from Misamis Oriental, didn’t disappoint the “home” crowd with his win, marking the first time the weekly television show staged a slugfest up north.
“It feels great that the people of Ilocos rolled out the red carpet for our Blow-By-Blow team,” Pacquiao said when informed about the terrific treatment given by the town and the entire province.
Metuda (16-8-1, 10KOs) put up a good fight despite failing to meet the 135-pound limit during the official weigh-in.
The relaunched Blow-by-Blow is celebrating its first anniversary in a few months after the eight-division legend revived it in November 2022.
Since its revival, the show has put up cards not just in Metro Manila cities but also in General Santos City and Cavite as Pacquiao continues to live up to his promise of providing up-and-coming boxers the opportunity to strut their stuff on a regular basis.