Handig Singwancha of Catbalogan, Northern Samar staged a huge upset after defeating former world title challenger Katsunari Takayama of Osaka, Japan via split decision last Saturday night in the main event of the Boxing for A Cause organized by the Highlands Boxing Promotions of Brico Santig at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym in Benguet Mountain Province.
The win made Singwangcha (13-5, 7 KOs) the new mandatory challenger of IBF minimumweight champion Mario “Dragoncito” Rodriguez. It also earned him the IBF Pan Pacific minimumflyweight title.
Takayama dropped to 24-6 (win-loss) with 10 KOs.
Singwangcha surprised the Japanese visitor with his tremendous power.
In the third round, Takayama adjusted but he was warned by the referee for repeatedly pushing Singwangcha.
The Japanese showed his prowess at the start of the fifth round by using his speed and accuracy but his excessive pushing cost him a deducted point.
The judges saw the bout in favor of Singwangcha,114-113, 114-113 for Singwangcha and 115-112 for Takayama. The fight could have ended in a majority draw but Takayama’s point deduction hurt his chances.
The proceeds of the boxing event will be donated to the kidney patients of La Trinidad and for the reconstruction of the St. James High School in Besao, Mountain Province. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL