Fighting at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium in Cebu City, Philippines, Demecillo, 11-3-2 (7), was awarded a close, and some felt debatable, split decision over fellow countryman Rambo Lagos, 8-2-2 (5), to make his second successful defense of the title he won last September. But at times it was a life and death battle.
After sizing each other up in the first two rounds, It was toe-to-toe action the rest of the way, with the defending champion coming forward at all times and Lagos appearing to be the more skilful boxer and counter-punching very well.
Demecillo tried to walk down his challenger, throwing bombs to head and body, but Lagos often timed him well and landed his own heavy shots. At times it appeared that Lagos was close to the edge, but he always came back strong and in round eight he turned the tables.
Boxing beautifully, Lagos connected almost at will, drawing blood from Demecillo´s nose and eye-brow, and it looked as if he was only one clean blow away from victory. But a clearly befuddled Demecillo grinded his teeth, and showed great will and determination to survive the round.
With a large crowd on the edge of their seats, Demicillo found new strength in round nine and again it was him coming forward, trying to land a knockout-blow on the fading Lagos. It was the same in round ten, and while Lagos had his moments it was Demecillo finishing strongest.
After a scintillating encounter, judges Arnie Najera and Edwin Barrientos scored the fight narrowly in favor of Demecillo, 96-94 and 96-95 respectively, while judge Atty William Manus had Lagos ahead by 96-94. Referee in charge of the action was Romar Kristoffer Embodo.
The Demecillo vs. Lagos WBF Asia Pacific title fight headlined the second installment of Omega Pro Sports Internationals “Who´s Next? Pro-Boxing Series”. Televised in the Philippines by GMA Network, admittance was free to the public.
www.worldboxingfederation.net
