Rugged Danilo Pena has lost by a 7th round technical decision in his battle for the WBO Interim bantamweight title against world No. 1 Phuengluang Sor Singyu in Sukhothai, Thailand.
With the world title now vacant AJ “Bazooka” Banal who is ranked No.2 is in line for a title shot against Phungluang.
WBO Asia Pacific vice president and fight supervisor Leon Panoncillo told the Manila Standard that Pena suffered “a severely cut eye after an accidental clash of heads in the seventh round” and referee Sawaeng Thaweekoon was forced to go to the scorecards of the three judges after ring doctor Vichair Oncam recommended the stoppage to prevent further damage to the Filipino’s eye.
Judge Paradon Sangkrongkaew scored it 69 – 64 and Chewing Krutket and Kiethsak Sitti 68-66. The end came at 1:14 of round seven.
Panoncillo reported that it was “a very competitive fight” and Pena threw a lot of punches but missed several while Phuengluang “landed more of the cleaner shots.”
In a couple of the early rounds Pena hurt the champion but was unable capitialize. However, the champion continued to hurt Pena more solid upper cuts and hard body shots.
With the win Phuengluang improved to 39-1 with 26 knockouts whiole droped to 25-11-2 with 10 knockouts.
By Ronnie Nathanielsz