By Dennis Principe
20.09 - PARAÑAQUE CITY, Philippines - World Boxing Council (WBC) International minimumweight champion Ernesto "Hard Rock" Rubillar of the Philippines retained his title via 12-round unanimous decision against a game but inexperienced Phalangchai Sor Vorapin of Thailand Wednesday night at the Casino Filipino Ampitheater in this City.
The 31-year old Rubillar (36-26-5, 14 KO's) struggled from the early rounds when an oft-smiling Vorapin used his handspeed and footwork in keeping the champion at bay.
In the fourth round, Vorapin (14-4-2, 2 KO's) was slapped a one point deduction after a seemingly intentional headbutt caused a nasty gash under Rubillar's right eye. This prompted Rubillar to start using his vaunted left and right hooks which slowed down and took the smile out of the much younger Thai.
Scoring referee Bruce McTavish had a score of 118-108, Alex Villacampa scored it 117-111 while David Chung tallied it 117-110, all for Rubillar.
After the bout Rubillar expressed his willingness to face WBC champion Jose Antonio Aguirre of Mexico.
In the supporting main event, Saranggani native Roy Doliguez wowed the crowd with his relentless attack in winning the vacant WBO Asia Pacific lightflyweight belt against former RP lightflyweight champion and compatriot Jovan Presbitero.
Doliguez used his stinging right jabs which snapped the head back of Presbitero as well as a number of vicious body attack. Doliguez (12-2-2, 5 KO's) attributed his much-improved skills to his overseas fights particularly in South Africa and Korea where he showed impressive performances against hometown rivals.
(lightweight) Baby Lorona, Jr. w TKO 7 Tirso Albia
(Superbantamweight) Ricky Gozo w SD Boy Guevarra
(superflyweight) Archiel Villamor w UD Jorge Lusadan
(lightflyweight) Rexon Flores w TKO 1 Jerry Lota
(superfeatherweight) Vandolf Lavado Draw Romualdo Mahinay
(lightflyweight) Sonny Boy Jaro w UD Florente Gondes
