| |
|
PINAY ABANIEL FAILS IN WBO TITLE BID IN OSAKA
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 21 Sep 2014
Abaniel.
OSAKA--Despite a spirited bid, gutsy Pinay Gretchen Abaniel fell short in her bid to add the WBO minimumweight title, losing via split decision to Japan's Kumiko Ikehara at the jampacked Azalea Taisho here.
The Filipina banger could not rev up her engine early enough to keep pace with her stronger foe, who outworked her 3 to 1 from all angles.
A cut suffered in the tenth frame further doomed Abaniel's bid, as the Filipina adopted a somewhat defensive mode most of the fight in lieu of her usual offensive style.
In the co-feature, 45-year-old civil worker Nao Ikeyama continues to defy time with a hard-fought unanimous decision verdict over game compatriot Masae Akitaya.
Akitaya seemed to have an edge early, moving and piling up points but Ikeyama found her range during close-quarter exchanges and scored a flash knockdown in the second round which may have saved her in this very close contest.
The double WBO championship bouts were presented by Futur Promotions of businessman Yasushi Hirayama.
The WBO has continued to make inroads in Japan with its Asia Pacific chairman Leon Panoncillo leading the charge.
Both Ikeyama and Ikehara are expected to defend their titles early next year.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
No issues with fight ref
By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 03 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Thu, 03 Jul 2025Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
, Thu, 03 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
, Thu, 03 Jul 2025ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 02 Jul 2025What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
By Ralph Rimpell, , Wed, 02 Jul 2025Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
, Wed, 02 Jul 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
, Tue, 01 Jul 2025CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
, Tue, 01 Jul 2025Dumadag holds chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
By Ace Freeman, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
, Mon, 30 Jun 2025SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
