Gabunilas, Trazo fall but applauded in Japan

Sports

CEBUANO boxers John Paul Gabunilas and Justin Trazo failed to get the job done in Japan after they bowed to hometown bets on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Gabunilas’ two-fight winning streak was snapped after he lost to Shori Umezo via unanimous decision (UD). Scores were 78-73, 78-73, 79-72–all for the 28-year-old Umezo.

Gabunilas dropped to 12W-5L, 9KO while Umezo improved to 14W-2L-3D, 9KOs.

Trazo, on the other hand, also tasted a UD at the hands of debuting fighter Seijuro Mizoguchi.

It was Trazo’s first loss after five fights.

The two Chao Sy Boxing Stable fighters may have fallen short but they earned the respect of the Japanese crowd that packed the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

“After their fights, they were heavily applauded by the crowd,” said Lorenzo “Chao” Sy. “The crowd admired them for showing a great fight.”

Sy said they were aware that Gabunilas and Trazo needed to knock out their respective opponents to ensure victories.

“Gabunilas actually dropped his opponent. He made his opponent touch the canvas after a solid hit but the referee did not count it a knockdown,” said Sy.

Making matters worse for Gabunilas was the point deduction that the referee slapped against him supposedly for a headbutt.

“His opponent kept on running. Gabunilas was pressing the attack that resulted in clash of heads but the referee deducted him for supposed head butt,” said Sy.

Sy said he was satisfied with the performances of Gabunilas and Trazo and assured that more opportunities will be given to the two fighters.

“It’s not the end for them. We will map out our next plan for them. We still have offers from our Japanese contact and for sure, we still have big plans for Gabunilas and Trazo,” said Sy.(CCM)