| |
|
Sarangani's Mepranum gets WBO title
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 17 Jun 2008
MAASIM, Sarangani (June 16, 2008) ? Hometown pride and boxer Richie Mepranum captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title after beating Tanzanian Juma Seleman Fundi in "War in Sarangani" on June 14.
"Maasim has now a world champion," Mayor Aniceto Lopez declared right after the Mepranum-Fundi fight, headlining the night event.
The "War in Sarangani" is an international card and professional boxing event hosted by a local government unit, which "other big cities were not able to do so," according to Games and Amusement Board official Vicente Cabalog.
Fundi had an undefeated record of 7-0-0 with four knock outs before that.
"He's going to be in big pain," Fundi's manager Emmanuel Mlundwa boasted in a press conference at the Kasfala Hall, Capitol ground, the day before the fight.
But at the same conference, boxing analyst and sports commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz predicted otherwise, saying Mepranum will pin down the Tanzanian boxer by a knock out.
Mepranum's first big leap to his dream to become like his boxing idol Manny Pacquiao dramatizes Maasim town's transformation from being once most depressed area of the province.
"Maasim is not about guns anymore, but fame in the field of sports particularly in boxing," Lopez said.
The Ireneo Miguel Lopez Promotion under Mayor Lopez groomed Mepranum as amateur boxer in 2004 until his speedy shot to a world title and the hope of his hometown.
Mepranum defeated Fundi using his formula of hitting Fundi's body to weaken his stamina, resulting to a no-knockout but equally lopsided 119-109 unanimous win. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 20262 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Doors open for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Officially Join Inaugural Pickle Yard Conference League
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026ADAMES AND AMMO CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN ORLANDO ON MARCH 21
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Filipino Alexis Emil Maribao shocks Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto in the Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess opener
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Team USA Notches Perfect Day to Open 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
, Tue, 24 Feb 2026Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
