John Marvin’s reign as light heavyweight king has ended, as he lost to Truong Din Hoang in the 30th Southeast Asian Games’ boxing quarterfinals Thursday at the PICC Forum in Pasay.
Many expected the Fil-Brit pugilist to lord over his division following a dominant showing in the 2017 Games in Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, though, all that came crashing down with the stunner of a defeat.
Marvin got floored in the first round with an overhand right, and that marked the beginning of the end. His Vietnamese counterpart eventually walked away with the split decision win, 3-2.
But it was not all heartbreak for the Philippine team, as Charly Suarez and Rogen Ladon both downed their foes.
Suarez, who fought in three pro matches this year, dominated Myanmar’s Arkar Paing Min in men’s lightweight. He won via stoppage as the referee halted the contest in the second round.
Ladon, on the other hand, had himself a tough challenge from Aldoms Suguro of Indonesia. Fortunately, the judges went on his side and scored a split decision win, 4-1, in men’s flyweight action.
Suarez and Ladon now head into the semifinals, assuring them both of a bronze medal finish.
