Ibinigay ni Filipino super flyweight Raymond Tabugon ang kanyang todong lakas ngunit natalo pa rin siya sa 8-round unanimous decision kay world rated at walang talong Amerikano na si Max Ornelas kahapon sa Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa sa Las Vegas, Nevada sa United States.

“Tabugon put up a gallant effort for whole eight rounds but Ornelas’ height advantage proved too much to overcome,” ayon sa ulat ng Philboxing.com hinggil sa 5’4 na Pinoy boxer. “The 5-foot-8 Ornelas remained undefeated after 12 fights.”

“I tried my best to close the distance but he was just really tall,” sabi ni Tabugon na bumagsak ang kartada sa 20-9-1 win-loss-draw na may 10 pagwawagi sa knockouts.

“Despite the loss, Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude Manangquil still commended Tabugon for standing his ground against the taller opponent,” dagdag sa ulat. “Aside from the huge height disadvantage, Manangquil said the cut in the right eye that Tabugon suffered in the first round made a big difference.”

Goodbye PBA? John Amores, tinanggalan na ng professional license!

“I’m happy with Raymond’s performance. He gave everything he had and you can’t ask for more,” sabi ni Manangquil matapos ang laban.

Napaganda ni Ornelas ang kanyang rekord sa 12-0-1 win-loss-draw na may 4 na panalo lamang sa knockouts at tiyak na aangat siya sa WBA super flyweight ranking kung saan nakalista siyang No. 15 conteder sa kampeong si kampeong si Khalid Yafai ng United Kingdom.

-Gilbert Espeña