MANILA – Negrense boxer Joepher Montano failed to clinch IBO Oceania and WBC ABC Continental welterweight belts after a split decision loss to Indonesian John Ruba at the Flobamora Sports Hall in Kupang, Indonesia.
The close defeat was a momentum breaker for the Bago City, Negros Occidental-native Montano after clinching the ABF super lightweight belt earlier this year by beating Rodel Wenceslao.
It was also the second defeat of Montano in his three title matches after bowing to Thai boxer Atchariya Wirojanasunobol for the WBC ABC Super lightweight belt last year in Thailand.
As in his victory over Wenceslao, Montano displayed his potent power punching against Ruba early in the match but the Indonesian was able to regain his footing in the succeeding rounds to keep the match close.
It was still a tight one for both boxers in the second half of the boxing match but Ruba emerged as the busier fighter with his combination hits just enough to escape with a close win.
With the defeat, the 23-year-old Montano saw his boxing record dropped to 10-5-2 win-loss-draw, including nine stoppage wins, while the 25-year-old Ruba has 19-6-1 with 10 knockout wins./PN
