As promised, Ala Boy Michael Domingo delivered a world-class performance on Sunday, stopping former WBO king Ratanachai Sor Vorapin in the ninth round to successfully defend his WBO Oriental bantam title.Domingo and Vorapin fought through blood throughout, but it was Domingo who proved to be the more technically superior fighter, using an airtight defense and no-nonsense fighting style to take down the tough and wily ex-world champ from Korat, Thailand.
"I was never really hurt in the fight. The only time he hurt me was not from his punches, but from his head," said Domingo, referring to the head butt that looked intentional on replay.
Vorapin was cut on the right eyebrow early in the third round from what looked like a legit blow, and was knocked down in the fourth in the dying seconds by hard shots from Domingo. Referee Teddy Alivio, however, did not rule it a knockdown.
In the fifth, Vorapin used an old trick by throwing his head after his punch, resulting in a cut over Domingo's left eyelid.
The cut, however, did not faze Domingo, and this only made him more careful and calculating in the fight.
A big right in the ninth round sent Vorapin on all fours, and as he got up blood oozed like water from his nose prompting referee Alivio to stop the fight at the 2:58 mark of the round.
Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Commissioner Angel Bautista awarded Domingo with the beautiful WBO Oriental belt after the victory, which should be a good ticket to a possible stint in the United States.
"That boy Domingo is fantastic. I've noticed his tremendous improvement. He's just awesome today," said Bautista.
Meanwhile, ex-WBA superbantam champ Somsak Sitchatchawal and Filipino Joel De la Cruz figured in split draw after eight rounds of torrid action.
De la Cruz piled up points in the early going, but lost steam in the second half to allow the Thai ex-world champ to make a rally to make for a close fight. Thailand's lady fighter Usanakorn Kokietgym proved too much and too strong for Filipina Geremie Tabastabas, stopping the latter at the 31-second mark of the third round.
Young and tall prospect Marvin "Marvelous" Sonsona knocked down John Naimes twice before registering a first-round knockout win.
Julius Alcos earned a majority decision win over Nelson Llanos in the card's opening bout. |
