Gonzales to fight for WBO Inter-continental after halting Canillas

Roberto Gonzales celebrates after winning against Arjan Canillas during bout for RP Lightweight Championship at Ynarez Gymnasium in Pasig City. Gonzales won.
INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A.. REYES

True to his promise, Roberto ‘‘Bad Boy from Batangas’’ Gonzales gave the fans something to remember Saturday night at the freezing Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The 5-foot-7 Gonzales overwhelmed previously unbeaten Arjan ‘‘Spartan’’ Canillas of ALA Boxing with the volume and accuracy of his punches to record a convincing 7th round TKO win and pocket the Philippine lightweight title before a wildly-cheering crowd.

‘‘Thank you, thank you. I am very happy,’’ said Gonzales in Filipino after ending Canillas’ impressive winning run.

Canillas, who dropped to 13-1-0, 10 knockouts, tried to hold his ground but Gonzales’ ringmanship proved too hot to handle.

With his 27th victory in 29 fights, Gonzales’ will have the chance to fight for a WBO Inter-continental title which will make him a step closer to a possible world title bout against Englishman Terry Flanagan.

‘‘He (Gonzales) will get his chance to fight for an intercontinental title,’’ said WBO Asia Pacific representative Leon Panoncillo, who witnessed the bout at ringside. ‘‘The important thing is he won and will have the chance to get into the WBO rankings.’’

Saved by the Bell Promotion president Elmer Anuran, who handles Gonzales’ career, said he will convince the WBO to hold the inter-continental fight in the Philippines. ‘‘The path is clear for the Bad Boy from Batangas to vie for WBO regional title. I think Mr. Panoncillo is very positive on this after watching the bout.’’

Anuran said Gonzales’ next big test may be held on June this year with a foreign opponent.

Though his ward won, Anuran believes that there is still room for improvement for the former boatman from famous tourist destination Puerto Galera.

‘‘I’ve noticed some flaws but the power, the accuracy and the number of punches being thrown are present. He’ll be a better boxer come the WBO fight,’’ said Anuran.

Chief trainer Lito Monte admitted that there’s still room for improvement. ‘‘Wait and see him in the WBO fight. Gonzales has the tools to be a world champion someday.’’

The right eye of Canillas bore the brunt of Gonzales’ power punches, forcing veteran referee Silvestre Abainza to consult ring doctor Ersus Rapirap with 57 seconds gone in the 7th round.

After examining the swollen eye, Rapirap told Abainza that the Canillas wasn’t fit to continue. Abainza, then, stopped the match, leading to jubilation from Gonzales’ camp.

‘‘It was the right decision. Gonzales won and Arjan will box another day,’’ said Canillas’ co-trainer Peter Cuizon, who was assisted by ALA Boxing chief trainer Edito Villamor.

Earlier, ALA Boxing rocked the freezing Ynares Arena as Jimmy Paypa wrested the WBO Oriental super bantamweight championship from crowd-favorite Abe Concepcion.

Paypa decked Concepcion in the first round and gamely showed his effective counter-punching till the end to win by split decision.

The 22-year-old Paypa improved his mark to 18-3-1, 6 knockouts while Concepcion, who had trouble getting the 122-pound limit during the weigh-in, dropped to 34-7-2, 20 KOs.

Judges Abainza and Greg Ortega scored 116-11, 114-111, respectively for Paypa, while Gil Co picked Concepcion, 115-112.

With the win, Gonzales (27-2, 17 KOs) lined himself for a regional title bout under the World Boxing Organization. Canillas dropped to 13-1-2, 10 knockouts.

Gilbert Donasales, a lanky bet from the Elorde Boxing Gym in Don Antonio, Quezon City, rocked the Arena as he decked favorite Bryan Macamay with a solid right straight in the third round. Macamay of the Empire Boxing Gym wore a short endorsing presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, needed to begin oxygen as he laid unconscious in the canvas. He recovered after getting assisted by medical personnel.

Others winning their preliminaries were: Jimboy Rosales of Kambal Kamao Boxing, who knocked out Marjun Tarazona of Paingco Boxing; Ronald Alapormina of Brusmick Boxing, who decisioned Jay-Ar Lacsina of Sanchez Boxing Stable; Jeric Potaso of Touch Gloves, who floored Rex Lagane of JB Boxing Gym; while the bout between Oliver Gregorio of Touch Gloves and JC Francisco of Hardstone ended in technical majority draw.

Roman Canto of Team Insider and Junjie Lauza of Paingco Boxing entertained the crown with non-stop action. The bout ended in split draw.