SAN VICENTE, Ilocos Sur — Behind on the scorecards, world-rated Ar-Ar Andales delivered an early Knockout of the Year candidate on Wednesday after annihilating Reymark Alicaba in the ninth round of Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow.
Referee Jerold Tomeldan called a halt to the scheduled 10-round clash for the interim Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight crown with a little over a minute remaining with Alicaba unable to pick himself up.
It was a startling ending to the match that started with Alicaba sending Andales crashing to the floor right in the opening round at the San Vicente Municipal Gym.
It appeared at first that Alicaba, tall and rangy and methodical, would cruise to an easy win as Andales was on the receiving end of his strong combinations.
But Alicaba seemed to be fading during the middle rounds as Andales started pummeling him downstairs and upstairs, leaving the Baguio City bet backpedaling and unable to fend off the assault.
Then in the seventh stanza, Alicaba’s aggression came back as he stood toe-to-toe with his rugged counterpart who represented Quibors-SanMan Boxing.
Then the roof caved in.
After Alicaba threw what seemed to be a harmless right, Andales unleashed his own right — oozing with bad intentions — that closed out the show.
Knowing that he was on the verge of losing, Andales went wild after Tomeldan reached the count of 10 with his cornermen joining him on top of the ring.
In attendance and enjoying the action were Ilocos Sur governor Jerry Singson and provincial board member Vic Singson, younger brother and grandson, respectively, of the celebrated Luis “Chavit” Singson, who assured the Blow-By-Blow staff of the province’s all-out support.
Also taking the spotlight during the night of fistic fireworks was fast-rising lightweight Ronerick Ballesteros, who needed less than a round in disposing of Sherwin Lombres.
Ballesteros’ caught the fancy of the spectators as Lombres hit the floor hard.
He did try to get up but Lombres was cross-eyed when he raised his head and the referee didn’t even bother to issue a count.
Cignal’s ONE Sports channel is the official carrier of Blow-By-Blow which airs every Sunday at 8:30 p.m.