With a diminutive yet hard-punching fifth grader leading the way, Barangay Pahanocoy last night wrested overall honors in the first-ever Monico Cup Golden Gloves Inter-Barangay Boxing Tournament in Bacolod City.

Standing 3-feet 5-inches, Jonel Labordo – who took up boxing two years ago – set the tone for the Pahanocoy pugs with a relentless display in winning the 28 kg. title.

The 12-year-old Labordo, whose exploits earned a best boxer accolade in the 26-36 kg. divisions, was one of four Pahanocoy champions at the end of the three-month, weekends-only tournament.

‘DETERMINED TO WIN'

Pahanocoy bet Alvin Sibugan took the gold in the 30 kg. class, while brother Ruben Sibugan only needed to appear in his 36 kg. final to earn the title since his opponent E.R. Gonzales of Singcang-Airport failed to show up for the fight.

“This is the product of our boxers' hardwork. They were really determined to win,” Pahanocoy trainer Gerardo Melleguin, father of 2005 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Mark Jason Melleguin, said.

Scoring Pahanocoy's last victory for the day was Junrey Millegen, who overcame teammate Ronel Parcon in the 42 kg. final.

It was Labordo, however, who provided one of the more impressive performances of the tournament as he went on attack mode from start to finish to dominate John Bombite of Barangay 10.

Labordo shared the limelight with Mandalagan's Rafael Sueño, who produced flashes of brilliance in his gold medal-clinching win over Randy Cantilla of Punta Taytay.

Sueño, who actually hails from Barangay Granada and trained by former amateur standout Gerson Nietes, showed good feet and timed his forays well to prevent Cantilla from maximizing his reach advantage.

‘FIGHTING BROTHERS'

Punta Taytay settled for first runner-up team honors with three titles, two courtesy of Servania brothers, Roland and Jake. The other champion from Punta Taytay was Remus Orcada, who defeated teammate Alejandro Jamili, 4-1, in the 45 kg. title match.

Roland Servania, a grade four pupil at F.R. Flores Elementary School , beat Rofel Nobleza of Sum-ag in the 26-kg. finals.

Jake, meanwhile, heaved a sigh of relief after winning his bout against younger brother, Genesis in the 51 kg. class.

“I am fighting him with a heavy heart,” Jake, the eldest of the three brothers, said prior to the fight.

Jake, however, was not alone in his dilemma yesterday.

If Handumanan's Allen Oro also had it his way, he didn't want to fight younger brother, Aljun, in the 34 kg. final.

Nevertheless, the Oro brothers went toe-to-toe with Allen winning, 4-1.

Lina Oro admitted having apprehensions when told that her children will be fighting each other for a gold medal. “They told me they wanted to be champions so I had to support them,” she said.

Sum-ag also got into the gold medal column, thanks to Jefferson Delgado, who outclassed Rodney Boy Ducay in the 32 kg. division.

Mansilingan's James Bedico also bagged the 48 kg. gold medal via a walkover win.

Rep. Monico Puentevella said he hopes the tournament will help address the scarcity of good amateur boxers in the national team.

“These guys are hungry and very good,” he said.

Also present at yesterday's event were Games and Amusements Board commissioner Monju Guanzon, Philippine Sports Commissioner Eric Loretizo and Asian women's boxing champion Mitchel Martinez.*CPT

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