By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense fighter Herlan Sixto Gomez has successfully defended his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight belt after a second round stoppage win over Thai Jakpan Sangtong at the Spaceplus Bangkok RCA in Thailand.

It was the second successful defense of the Negros Occidental’s E.B. Magalona-native boxer in the championship he captured against Thai Wicha Phulaikhao last February.

Gomez had an aggressive start in the opening round as he caught Sangtong with numerous left and right combinations. The Thai tried to retaliate with his own shots but could only hit the Filipino’s defense.

Gomez heightened his aggression in the second round with solid combinations coupled with powerful body attacks that prompted referee Worawuth Duankhao to halt the match at the 2:20 mark.

In a statement last week, Gomez expressed his gratitude to his fellow Negrenses for the support and thanked the E.B. Magalona municipal government for financial support for his fight in Thailand.

“Sa amon mapinalangga-on nga mayor, gapasalamat gid ako sa imo nga bulig sa pag-suporta sa akon nga hampang sa Thailand,” Gomez said in a video message.

With the victory, the 23-year-old Gomez improved his boxing record to nine wins and one loss, with six wins by way of stoppages, while Sangtong dropped to 12-8-0, with 11 knockout wins.

Meanwhile, Filipino boxer Virgel Victor captured the World Boxing Council Asian Silver super featherweight championship with a second round knockout win over Thai Campee Phayom.

The Tagbilaran City-native Vitor increased his boxing slate to 21 wins and two losses, including 14 wins by way of knockouts, while Phayom dropped to 23-7-2, with 15 stoppage wins.

In the undercard bout, JV Tuazon (5-4-2, three KOs) notched the ABF featherweight championship following a third round technical knockout win over Phulaikhao (64-21-2, 28 KOs)./ASC, WDJ