GABALLO DEFEATS RODRIGUEZ BY SPLIT DECISION, WINS WBC INTERIM BANTAM TITLE

Reymart Gaballo of the Philippines won by split decision over Emmanuel Rodriguez of Puerto Rico to win the Interim WBC bantamweight title in the main event of the PBC boxing event at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

Gaballo was the aggressor the entire fight following Rodriguez all over the ring as the Puerto Rican former IBF world champion was content to box and counter. Although it appeared that Gaballo's punches were less effective compared to Rodriguez sharp counters, two of the judges, Judge Don Trella and John McKaie saw Gaballo ahead, 116-112 and 115-113 respectively while David Sutherland had it 118-110 for Rodriguez.

Gaballo was a late replacement to fight Rodriguez after Filipino 4-division champion Nonito Donaire Jr. was initially tested positive for Covid-19.

Gaballo, from General Santos City who fights under the SanMan Promotions banner and is trained by Moro Fernandez in Miami, now upped his undefeated record to 24 wins with 20 knockouts while Rodriguez whose previous lone defeat was inflicted by Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue, absorbed his second defeat and dropped to 19-2-0, 12KOs.