Negrense boxer salvages two titles

A 23-YEAR-OLD boxer from Negros Occidental made his hometown proud after snatching two titles at Gaisano City Mall in Bacolod City, March 31.

John Michael Zulueta took home the International Boxing Organization (IBO) Oceania and Oriental minimumweight titles after beating Ariston Aton via unanimous decision.

The native of Calatrava town downed Aton of Cebu with multiple combinations, including a huge left straight that slowed the latter’s attacks.

With the win, Zulueta clinched his second and third titles as he also holds the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) minimumweight belt.

He maintained his unblemished record of 10 wins (3 via stoppage), 0 losses and 2 draws.

The 19-year-old Aton, on the other hand, dropped to a 7-1-0 card.

Meanwhile, Joepher Montano of Bago City, Negros Occ. salvaged the ABF light welterweight belt after a sixth round stoppage win against Rodel Wenceslao in the co-main event of the boxing card.

Montano ended the match in six rounds to raise his record to 10-4-2, with 9 KO wins. Wenceslao’s record dropped to a 13-18-2 slate with five knockout wins.