The Mighty makes a successful stateside debut
Filipino super flyweight boxer Aston “Mighty” Palicte (22-2, 18KO) scored another big win, claiming the WBO Intercontinental and NABF championships via split decision over the previously-unbeaten Oscar Cantu (14-1, 1KO), Sunday afternoon at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
25-year-old Palicte came out aggressively from the get-go. Light on his feet, he pushed the pace and landed combinations on Cantu, rocking him with his left in both the third and fourth round.
Despite Cantu’s attempts to slow him down in the clinch, Palicte managed to continue executing his offense, even engaging in a wild exchange with Cantu towards the end of round five.
Palicte staggered Cantu with a uppercut that made the latter momentarily lose his balance in the succeeding round. However, Cantu remained resilient, making the most of the opportunity when Palicte seemed to slow down and clawing his way back to the fight.
By the final round, “Mighty” had restored order and put the finishing touches with short uppercuts that kept Cantu checked.
As the decision was announced, Palicte managed to get two of the three judges’ nods with a 98-92 and 96-94 scorecard, while only one judge scored in favor of Cantu, 96-94, meaning Palicte had become the new champion.
“Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumoporta sa amin. Sa lahat ng mga Pilipino!” Palicte said.
Palicte now rides a two-fight win streak since losing to Junior Granados via a controversial split decision in Mexico.
