THE MANAGER of Eriberto “Yukka” Gejon, who lost by a controversial split decision in his bid for the world minimumweight boxing crown in Yokohama Sunday night, said he was optimistic of securing a rematch for his fighter against Japan’s Yutaka Niida.
Rex “Wakee” Salud said he has been instructed by the chief representative of the World Boxing Association, Gilberto Mendoza Jr., to write their head office.
Salud, claiming his boxer was well ahead on points when he suffered an ugly eyebrow cut that forced the bout to be stopped midway in the 10th round, said Mendoza appeared convinced Gejon had been a victim of injustice.
The young Mendoza reports to his father, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza.
Salud yesterday returned from the failed campaign with Manny Pacquiao, who himself swore Gejon should have been declared winner by unanimous decision.
Gejon, who started out sharp and dominated the first six rounds before being bullied and repeatedly gored by the desperate Japanese champ, was picked the winner by judge Medardo Villalobos of Panama, 97-93.
However, the two other judges — Phinit Prayabsaab of Thailand and Wan Soo Yuh of South Korea — picked Niida by identical scores of 96-95.
Normally, there should have been at least a point deduction in favor of Gejon, but Noli Flores, Games and Amusements Board boxing division chief, said the WBA had waived the penalty for accidental headbutts in its last convention in Bali, Indonesia.
However, Gejon’s wounds over his eyes showed he had been fouled not only once, but a total of three times.
His three wounds, all caused by headbutts, took 12 stitches to close.
Gejon swore all three cuts were caused by intentional fouls, but that the referee, Luis Pabon of Puerto Rico, just looked the other way.
Pabon finally made a move and stepped in after Niida’s nastiest head nudge opened an ugly cut over Gejon’s right eyebrow before the ring doctor ordered a stop to the bout.
Gejon, who boxed and moved better than his foe, was declared loser through a technicality.
There was no big celebration from the hometown fans, many of whom cheered the bloodied but unbowed Gejon on his way back to his dressing room.
