MANILA – A round is enough for Negrense boxer Aston Palicte to finish off Jonathan Francisco in the co-main event of the ‘Redemption’ card at the Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos City over the weekend.
The victory was a completed bounce back mission for the Bago City, Negros Occidental-native after losing his World Boxing Organization super flyweight bout against Japanese Kazuto Ioka and a non-title match against fellow Negrense Renz Rosia last year.
Palicte was the aggressor early in the match. He targeted the head of Francisco before pounding his body. The Negrense then sent down his opponent in the canvas but managed to beat the referee’s count.
The Bago City slugger did not lessen his aggressiveness and continued to land punches on Francisco’s head and body – forcing the latter to surrender before the start of the second round.
Following the victory, the 29-year-old Palicte hiked his boxing record to 26 wins, four losses and a draw (22KOs), while Francisco’s slate slid down to 10-15-1, including four knockout wins.
On the other hand, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental-native Rolando Servania expanded his unbeaten streak after a unanimous decision victory over compatriot Reymond Empic.
The Bacolodnon now holds his unbeaten victory run to 11-0-0 (5KOs), while the Cebuano Empic dropped his card to 7-5-0, including three KOs./PN
