By REY DANSECO
Promising Filipino fighters Richie Mepranum and Dennis Laurente boxed their way to victories against a world rated Mexican and veteran Ghanaian respectively on the eve of “The Event” collission between WBC Diamond belt holder Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey Friday night at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas.
Mepranum, 112 1/4 lbs, displayed his potentials when he stunned the predominantly Latino and Mexican audience with a masterful unanimous decision win over 10 rounds against fellow southpaw and previously undefeated Hernan “Tyson” Marquez, 113 1/2 lbs
Two judges tallied a convincing 99-91 and 98-92 decision over while the third official had it 96-94 all in favor Mepranum, who made his second US appearance.
Mepranum, who captured the WBC USNBC super flyweight title in his effort, improved his record to 17-2-1 with 3 knockouts.
The 21-year od Mexican KO artist from Empalme, Sonora entered the ring as rated No. 5 by the WBC, No. 6 by the WBA, No. 9 by the WBO and No. 12 by the IBF. His ledger now has blemished and read 27-1, 20 KOs.
Marquez had solid fight plan when he moved as aggressor. But Mepranum, who went down twice from pushing and not by punches, was wiser and slicker when he used his height and reach advantage to catch his Mexican opponent from different angles with solid and cleaner blows.
The 22-year old Pinoy flyweight is only rated No. 10 and 11 by the WBA and WBO, respectively. But with the win, Mepranum said he hopes to acquire all the ranking of his opponent in next month ranking, especially in the most prestigious WBC.
The younger, taller and faster Laurente has proved once again that he should be ranked in the top 10 instead of No. 19 light welterweight by the WBC when he effectively countered the aggressive former WBC light welterweight title challenger Ben Tackie of Ghana.
The 32-year old Filipino southpaw of Johnny Elorde, one of three sons of the late Flash Elorde, earned a unanimous decision win. Two judges scored the fight 77-75 while the third had 78-74 all in favor of Laurente, the second best Filipino fighter after Pacquiao in light welterweight and welterweight divisions.
Laurente, a long time OPBF and PABA lightweight champion, improved his ledger to 34-3-5, 17 KOs, while the New York-based Tackie dropped to 29-12-1, 17 KOs. Both boxers tipped in the scale 144 ½ lbs.
Dennis Laurente poses at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California. PHOTO BY REY DANSECO
appreciated this writing!
June 19th, 2010 at 7:48 am