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CASTA?ARES STOPS AUSSIE TO RETAIN WBF CROWN By Salven L. Lagumbay PhilBoxing.com Sun, 01 May 2005 MANDAUE CITY--Dindo "Diesel" Casta?ares proved he belongs in the big league with a scintillating technical knockout win over Australian Steven Marks at the start of the fifth round of their scheduled 12-round war here to retain his World Boxing Foundation junior welter world title. The busy-punching Casta?ares, however, had to fight back from a first-round blitz by Marks, who repeatedly unleashed right overhands to the Filipino's kisser, sending the latter backpedalling on defensive mode. Marks, however, failed to put on the finishing touches. A very close second round ensued, as Casta?ares woke up from a sluggish start to trade punches with the visiting Aussie in a well-applauded round that had the jampacked audience at the Mandaue Cultural and Sports Center on the edge of their seats. By the third, the Filipino champ pressed the attack, as Marks opted to box from the outside after feeling Casta?ares' power. A series of shots to the body capped by a big right to the face downed Marks in the dying seconds of the round. However, the visitor brushed it off and survived the round. The defending champ continued his attack in the fourth, but was visibly gasping for breath against Marks. Casta?ares unleashed two right shots to Marks' right shoulder, as the visitor continued to move around to befuddle Casta?ares. At the break, however, Marks told referee Bruce McTavish and his corner that he could not continue with the fight, as he suffered severe injury on his right shoulder. GAB physician Jose Unabia revealed later that Marks could have suffered from a dislocated shoulder blade due to the blows inflicted by Casta?ares. "I would like to congratulate Dindo Casta?ares for defending gallantly our country and exuding pride in wearing the flag in front of his countrymen," said GAB chair Eric Buhain, who was at ringside for the show. "Steven Marks fought with a very big heart and spoke so praisingly towards all Cebuanos. To me he is a true sportsman and gentleman," added Buhain, who also thanked WBF president Mick Croucher whom he calls "a friend and partner," as well as Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano and organizers Tony Aldeguer, Sammy Gello-ani and Cheryl Ouano. The win improved Casta?ares' record to 16-3-1, 12 KO's while Marks dipped to 12-10-2, 6 KO's. WBF President Mick Croucher had earlier informed that a rematch is most likely to happen in Australia. BATAWANG TKO'S RUBILLAR In an exciting chief support, WBA Pan-African junior fly kingpin Bert Batawang methodically softened up Roberto Rubillar en route to a seventh round technical knockout victory. Batawang kept stalking the game Rubillar most of the fight, as the latter unloaded his own series of shots that seemed to bother the more veteran fighter Batawang. By the seventh, a focused Batawang unleashed several shots capped by a right to the body that sent Rubillar down for good at the 2:57 mark. In other bouts, Donnie Nietes prevailed on a 96-94, 97-93, 99-94 unanimous decision over Elmer Muyco; Along Dinoy upstaged Jun Eraham on a 98-93, 96-94, 98-92 unanimous verdict; Rollen Del Castillo downed Eddie Villegas for a technical knockout at the start of the fourth frame; Robert Allanic stopped Rolando Baclayo at the start of seventh; while Gerope Mercado and Jojo Intor figured in a third-round technical draw. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.  |
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