ROLANDO “Smooth Operator” Magbanua’s initial foray into the super bantamweight division resulted in a sad loss to Eric “The Maverick” Barcelona in a classic case of experience prevailing over youth.
The young Magbanua lost steam early in their 10-round non-title bout in Magpet, North Cotabato on August 9, but gamely fought on in a display of heart and toughness against the grizzled veteran and former Philippine bantamweight champion Barcelona of Valencia City, Bukidnon who won by unanimous decision.
This is the first loss in 18 fights (17 wins, 12 KOs) for the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Interim Bantamweight champion from Pigcawayan who fights out of the Braveheart Boxing Club owned by North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol and his brothers.
Vice Gov. Piñol, who earlier predicted that the fight would be a tough one for Magbanua, was saddened by the loss but sees it as a learning experience.
“Our trainers would have to review what happened and see what went wrong. We will definitely ask for a rematch with Barcelona,” Piñol said.
0 Comments