Paciones beats Laspoña in clash of undefeated

Sports

THE clash between two of the country's unbeaten lived up to the hype.

When the dust settled, it was Cebuano Arvin Jhon Paciones who kept his immaculate slate intact.

Paciones defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title by beating PMI Bohol Boxing Stable's Richard Laspoña via unanimous decision in the main event of the UKC-Elorde Triple Threat fight card on Sunday, May 24, in Parañaque City.

All three judges scored the 10-round fight for Paciones, 97-93, 97-93, and 96-94.

Paciones improved to 13W-0L, a perfect record highlighted by seven knockout wins. Laspoña suffered his first loss after 12 fights. He also has seven knockout victories.

Paciones' height advantage was glaring but Laspoñas fought through it.

The duel became a hot topic on social media with some netizens believing that Laspoña did just enough to secure a victory.

Laspoña likewise believed he won the fight.

"He took the first four rounds but I thought I won the fifth to 10th round," said the Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon native fighter.

Laspoña took the loss in stride and vowed to come back stronger.

"It's okay. It was a good experience. He is a top prospect and I managed to give him a tough fight," Laspoña said.

The 23-year-old boxer said he will take a brief break before mapping out his next plan.

"I'll take a rest then go back to training. I just want to thank my PMI family led by Atty. Floriezyl Echavez Podot for this opportunity," Laspoña said.(CCM)