LEAR DECISIONS BAUYA IN COMEBACK BOUT

Cebu's Johnny Lear made an impressive comeback to the ring after a year of semi-retirement as he prevailed on a unanimous decision over ex-RP bantam champ Joel Bauya in their grudge rematch Saturday night at the San Andres Civic and Sports Center.

In a battle of former RP bantam champs, Lear was clearly the superior fighter, knocking down Bauya in the fifth before earning a well-deserved decision from the three judges.

In his previous fight in October last year, Lear was mercilessly stopped by unheralded Melvin Ayudtod in a featherweight fight in Bohol. The Cebu-based fighter then decided to leave the game, going back to his province to pursue another career.

Then, some months later, an offer came for him to train boxers at the gym of businessman Charlie Gamboa in Manila. By some twist of fate, Lear ended up becoming a trainer and at the same time boxer, hence, Gamboa's bosom buddy, promoter Marty Elorde, gave Lear another chance to strut his talents.

Lear had won the RP bantam title on September 28, 2002, decisioning Rey Llagas in Cebu. He lost the title a year later to Alvin Felisilda in Manila.

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