| |
|
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:
Weights From ‘Acosta vs. Rios’ Event from Thunder Studios in Long Beach, Calif., and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
, Sat, 28 Mar 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC maintains priority of the defense of fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026Barrière and Akdeniz win in Montreal
By Eric Armit, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026Jesse Espinas and Leboy Atencio Ready to Rumble in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV (Weigh-in Photos)
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026Matchroom Boxing announces new long-term contract extensions for two top UK fighters
, Sat, 28 Mar 2026Thananchai Decisions "Lucky Boy" Alicaba
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026Suslenkov to defend WBA continental title against Mann at IBA.PRO 16 in Serpukhov
, Fri, 27 Mar 2026SBA Builds the Future of Billiards with SBA Next and Official Pool Hub Network
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Mar 2026Don King Productions Announces Challenger for Reigning WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Noel Mikaelian
, Fri, 27 Mar 202611-0 Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor developing his skills at Deontay Wilder and Andrii Novytskyi
, Fri, 27 Mar 2026IBA welcomes the victory of common sense in the IOC policy on protecting women
, Fri, 27 Mar 2026Genetic Testing will be required in Olympic Games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 27 Mar 2026“Lucky Boy" Alicaba Ready for Action Friday in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026WBO & WBA World Champion René “El Chulo” Santiago Hosts Open Media Workout Ahead of April 3 Title Defense in Tokyo
, Thu, 26 Mar 2026Former WBA FEDELATIN President Panamanian Aurelio Fiengo passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026The 19th edition of the Kamatyas Rapid Open and Kiddies Chess Tournament on March 28, 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026WIG-WHAM! MILLER PLANS ‘OLD SCHOOL’ BEATING OF PERO IN LAS VEGAS
, Thu, 26 Mar 2026ProBoxTV Bringing a Storm of Flying Leather to Thunder Studios This Saturday, March 28, as Bryan Acosta Collides with Ronny Rios in Crossroads Bantamweight Slugfest
, Thu, 26 Mar 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Training Camp Quotes
, Thu, 26 Mar 2026Remembering Mr. Elorde: Still the Gold Standard
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026House of Representatives say yes to the Boxing Revitalization Act and it is now sent to the Senate
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski To return after 4-year layoff to fight at home on Granite Chin’s ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card
, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ellaine Summer Abanco wins silver medal on tiebreak
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Catubig, McDowell win in DC Athletic 4
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Team Juna wins first competition in IRONMAN 70.3 Davao
By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
