Asenjo scores TKO victory over Tadena

BACOLOD City — Rommel Asenjo pounded Arnel Tadena with powerful combinations to the head and body en route to scoring a fifth round technical knockout win Friday night in the main event of the ALA-Cobra Energy Drink “Tunay na Lakas” boxing card at the 888 Bacolod Chinatown Square, here.

The southpaw Asenjo, a former WBO Oriental champion, was the clear aggressor from the opening round as Tadena offered little challenge in the one-sided fight held on the eve of the much-awaited Pinoy Pride 9 card.

After being mercilessly battered for five rounds, Tadena’ corner signaled that their fighter has had enough punishment and capitulated before the start of the 6th round.

This was Asenjo’s first fight since losing in his bid to snatch the WBO world minimumweight title from Raul Garcia of Mexico last April.

Meanwhile, Gil Melligen beat Rufino Mante by unanimous decision after 10 rounds. Melligen landed the more telling blows but had a point deduction in round two for an accidental head butt that caused a cut on Mante’s right eyebrow. Melligen then had another deduction in the sixth round for low blows.

The scorecards read, 97-91, 95-93 and 98-90.

Wilbeth Loberanis outboxed Roger Echavez and won by unanimous decision after eight rounds while Rey Melligen knocked out Tata Ramuga in the third round.

Melligen used vicious body attacks and scored two knockdowns in the second round. An accidental head butt that inflicted a cut on Ramuga’s right eyebrow cost Melligen a point. Melligen sent Ramuga down again in the third and referee Danrex Tapdasan counted him out at the 2:57 mark.

Rocky Bacor won by unanimous decision over Jonathan Ricablanca in an eight rounder while Lendel Radoc also scored a unanimous decision victory over Jacklord Cepeda with all three judges scoring the bout, 40-36.

In the opening bout of the night, John Rey Melligen won by majority decision over Toto Abing.  /Correspondents Dale Rosal and Rene Bonsubre Jr.