Cebuano ring gladiator Elmer Gejon faltered in his quest to seize the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International minimumweight title after losing to rising South African star Tshepo Lefele via a highly questionable majority decision over 12 heats yesterday at the Orient Threatre in East London, South Africa.
Brix Flores, Gejon’s trainer, relayed to his wife Joy through text message that the decision really caught them by surprise as the Mandaue City-native fighter dominated Lefele from the start and even knocked down the South African in the ninth round.
While one judge saw the bout a 114-all draw, the remaining judges similarly scored it 115-113 for Lefele to buoy the hometown favorite to an auspicious debut under the aegis of Braco Sports Productions managed by SA-based Russian impresario Branco Milenkovic.
So unpopular the verdict that it was greeted with howls of protest and defeaning boos of disapproval by the disgruntled African fans, who believed that Gejon was the rightful winner of the 12-round contest.
Even Milenkovic, who managed Lefele in partnership with the legendary boxer-turned promoter ‘Baby’ Jake Matlala, admitted in a text message to his Cebuano counterpart Rex “Wakee” Salud that Gejon may have won the bout.
“He (Gejon) dropped my boxer one time down. I think maybe Gejon won,” confessed Milenkovic to Salud.
Salud, who is disappointed with the outcome of the fight, said is he is asking Milenkovic for an immediate rematch.
“Sayang kaayo. Dominated ni Elmer (Gejon) ang away ug natumba pa niya ang iyang kontra pero napilde pa siya,” said Salud.
“Tan-aw sa mga African daog gyud si Elmer, mao to nga gi-bohan nila og maayo ang desisyon. Tungod niini, ako dayong gitawgan si Branco (Milenkovic) nangayo ko og immediate rematch aron maklaro gyud kinsa maoy tinuod nga daog. Okay siya pero iya pang tan-awon kon kanus-a,” added Salud
