Pacquiao keeps RP title

By Dennis Principe

25.05 - REIGNING Philippine superfeatherweight champion Alberto "Bobby" Pacquiao survived a barrage of body assault before scoring another unanimous but close decision against bitter rival Baby Lorona, Jr. the other night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Though the 23-year old Pacquiao controlled the first three rounds with effective straights and uppercuts, Lorona gave a good account of himself by bombarding the local champion with brutal left and right hooks to the body.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair from the 4th round onwards as Pacquiao and Lorona exchanged furious blows with reckless abandon.

The southpaw Pacquiao, who had older brother and world champion Manny Pacquiao in his corner, emerged victorious by scores of 116-112, 116-112 and 114-112.

Pacquiao won their first battle by scoring a unanimous verdict on November 20, 2002 at the Casino Filipino Amphitheater.

In their rematch, Lorona settled the score by humiliating Pacquiao via a 7th round TKO win in front of an estimated 50,000 crowd on March 15, 2003 in Luneta.

In the undercard, Cebuano flyweight phenom Sherwin Paro made an auspicious Metro Manila debut by stopping Albert Cesa in the 2nd round.

The undefeated 20-year old Paro, slowly emerging as Philippine boxing's next wonder boy, punished Cesa with crisp left jabs before putting him into sleep with a vicious left straight.

The win improved Paro's immaculate record to 10-0, 6 via the short route.

Also, World Boxing Council (WBC) #1 lightflyweight contender Juanito Rubillar bolstered his chance to fight for the world title by scoring a 5th round TKO versus Federico Catubay.

Philippine featherweight champion Jeffrey Oqate suffered a nasty cut in his left eyebrow but escaped a 5th round Technical Decision win over challenger Dante Paulino.

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