MAASIM, Sarangani - Rising boxing sensation Ritchie Mepranum on Tuesday (January 15) eked out a convincing unanimous decision over game but outclassed Allan Ra?ada to retain his Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight title.
Throwing left straights and uppercuts, Mepranum rocked Ra?ada several times but failed to knock down his slippery opponent from Bohol.
The southpaw champion was never in trouble throughout the fight although a cut over his left eyelid caused by an accidental head butt momentarily gave his manager, Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr., some fits.
Fighting before his hometown crowd, Mepranum displayed his superior skills all night long en route to his 19th win in 21 fights.
Ritchie Mepranum (L) is shown here exchanging leathers with ALA Boy Rocky Fuentes Dec. 2 last year at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. Mepranum snatched the RP Flyweight crown from Fuentes via UD.
His only loss came during his second bout as a professional.
In Round 4, Mepranum threw a wicked left uppercut that almost knocked down Ra?ada. Moments later, his again staggered the challenger with another left straight which brought the hometown crowd to its feet.
Ra?ada was again in trouble in Round 8 when he absorbed a thundering left straight from the champion moments after he snapped the head of Mepranum with a stiff jab.
But the challenger was never able to seriously hurt Mepranum.
The card was a special offering of avid boxing aficionado Mayor Lopez who celebrated his birthday the following day.
The bout was witnessed by GAB boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz.
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