ALA Boy Bart Abapo created his own fireworks just in time for New Year’s Day as he knocked out Cagayan de Oro City’s Rex Marzan in the sixth round to retain his RP light welterweight title in the other night’s “Rambolan sa Talibon” card at the CPG Multi-Purpose Center in Talibon, Bohol.
Aside from improving his win-loss-draw record to 17-4-2 now spiked with a dozen knockouts, the OPBF No.3 and WBO Asia Pacific No.4 super lightweight contender Abapo also proved that his previous victory over Marzan was no fluke.
The two fighters already fought for the same title on March 5, 2005 at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City. In that match, Abapo courageously fought back from a second round knockdown to floor Marzan in round 8.
In their abbreviated rematch, Marzan’s bitter end came at the 1:11 mark of round 6 when Abapo landed a solid right uppercut to the chin that sent the Mindanao brawler into the dreamland for good.
Before that, Abapo’s heavy bombardments opened a gaping gash over Marzan’s left eye in the second round.
That set the tone for Abapo to completely dominate the bout and eventually flatten Marzan, who suffered his 19th defeat in 34 fights that include 14 wins, seven via stop-page, and one draw.
In the sup-porting main event of the slambang year-ending show presented by Sammy “Don King” Gello-ani of SGG Promotions International in partnership with the local government unit of Talibon headed by mayor Juanario Item, RP ranked No. 2 light flyweight Donnie “Ahas” Nietes beat Roldan Malinao of Butuan City by unanimous decision.
SGG Stable standouts Danny Boy Bontilao and Reman Salim also prevailed via unanimous verdict over Roland Econas and Phil Angcamor, respectively.
In the other matches, Edwin Gastador sudbued Ronald Pastrano by unanimous decision, Tiny Tyson scored his second straight win as a pro by crushing Peter Paul Suico, while Milan Milendo triumphed via sixth round TKO over Rodel Emboy of Cagayan de Oro City.
