Jeffrey Arienza overcame the odds yet again, this time by knocking out Wellem Reyk of Indonesia to capture the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council (ABCO) super lightweight belt in yesterday’s Night of Champions III, held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City
Having competed with a handicap throughout his boxing career, the 25-year-old pride of Surigao City fought like he faced no physical challenges at all during the fight, outclassing the sturdy Indonesian using his aggression and accuracy to knock him down at 1:25 of the fifth with a combination of punches and body shots to win the belt.
Arienza revealed to Tiebreaker Times that he had felt jitters in the early goings of the fight but was able to shake them off as the fight went on. “May konting kaba pero nuoong nagkasakitan na sinabi ko sa sarili ko na suntukan lang ito at gagawin ko lahat para magchampion.”
Furthermore, he dedicates his fight to everyone who has supported him and to everyone who is experiencing the same condition he does.
He also added to remain positive and always persevere despite the challenges one faces.
“Inaalay ko itong laban na ito sa pamilya ko, sa mga kababayan ko sa Surigao at sa mga katulad ko na may kapansanan. Nawa’y hindi ito maging hadlang sa mga pangarap natin at lakipan ng dasal sa Panginoon.”
In the co-main event, Silvester Lopez overcame Danilo Peña to win the vacant WBC ABCO Continental featherweight belt, winning via TKO in the seventh round.
Lopez overcame three knockdowns from Peña’s offense in the first four rounds. Fortunately for him, the knockdowns officials weren’t able to score the knockdowns against him.
He was able recover and earn two knockdowns of his own late in the sixth and eventually saw Peña’s demise in the following round after Lopez’ barrages which officially ended at the 0:56 mark of the round.
JR Cagobcob dethroned former titleholder Donny Mabao to become the new Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Philippine flyweight champion.
Elorde International Promotion’s Night of Champions III results:
Jeffrey Arienza def. Wellem Reyk (TKO, 5th)
Silvester Lopez def. Danilo Peña (TKO, 7th)
JR Jacobcob def. Donny Mabao (KO, 4th)
Rolly Sumalpong def. Ruben Traza (Unanimous Decision)
Allan Vallespin def. Jonel Borbon (TKO, 2nd)
Argie Guiriba def. Jun Jun Rimasog (KO, 1st)
Jerome Roque and Elbin Magalad resulted in a split draw.
Nestor Junio def. Rommel Hangalay (Majority Decision)
