Pael reclaims PBF title in Siquijor via decision

SIQUIJOR—Rajah Renoel Pael defended his Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) bantamweight title with a masterful 10-round unanimous decision win over Arlon “Turbo” Batinggal in the main event of the Bakbakan sa Araw ng Siquijor at the Siquijor Capitol grounds last Saturday.

Pael, who hails from the Princesa Bulakna Resort of Maria, Siquijor, remained unbeaten after 10 fights but has one draw and four knockouts to show in his record. The scorecards read, 99-89, 98-90 and 99-89, in his favor.

Batinggal, who hails from Butuan City, suffered his fifth career loss with six wins, three by knockouts.

Pael worked behind a sharp left jab to keep the bull strong Batinggal at bay early on.

In the second round, an accidental clash of heads inflicted a cut on Pael’s left eyelid and Batinggal was deducted a point.

Pael staggered Batinggal on several occasions with crisp one-two combinations but the challenger managed to survive and landed hard hooks of his own.

Pael’s lateral movement and superior boxing skills made him pile up a huge lead.

Another accidental head butt inflicted a cut on Pael’s right eyebrow in the final round and another point was deducted from Batinggal.

In the undercards, Richard Rosales of Bohol beat Junior Salvador of the Phil-Aust Gym by unanimous decision while Alvin Aresgado of Siquijor and Michael Beron of Bohol fought to a two-round technical draw after an accidental clash of heads inflicted cuts on both boxers with a deeper cut on Aresgado’s left eyelid.

Bryan Samson of Siquijor beat Jerome Baja by unanimous decision in the four-round opening bout.

The fights were supervised by Rolando Mendoza and Celso Miranda of the Games and amusements Board-Cebu. /correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr.