By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Edward Heno defended his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight title by defeating Toboso-born Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo via split decision at the Gaisano Mall in Bacolod City over the weekend.

Two judges favored Heno, 119-109 and 118-110; while the third gave the advantage to Sabillo, 116-112.

“Heno is a good fighter, no question about it,” Sabillo said following his loss. “I apologize to my fellow Negrenses, I lost and failed them.”

“I was just too eager that I could not even throw my punches properly,” he added. “I might also lack sparring exposure with John Michael Zulueta as my sparring partner.”

Zulueta also featured in an undercard fight, knocking out Ebonito Loperez of Davao City in the sixth round of their bout.

Meanwhile, Rey Loreto of Benguet defeated Arnold Garde of Davao City with the fight stopped in the fourth round, after the latter was knocked to the canvas five times.

In other results, Ryan Lumacad of Benguet defeated Brian Diano of Cagayan de Oro City after the latter gave up before the start of the fifth round; while Bacolod City’s Paolo Sy drew Elmer Liboon of Murcia./JSG, WDJ