Boxing champ Tunacao stabbed ‘many times’ in domestic dispute – police

MANILA, Philippines – Former boxing champion Malcolm Tunacao has been hospitalized in Cebu City for multiple stab wounds allegedly inflicted by his live-in partner on Tuesday, September 15.

Police Officer 3 Juanito Alquirar Bulahan of Mandaue City Police Station 5 told Rappler on Thursday, September 16, that authorities have arrested Tunacao’s live-in partner, Jessica Grace Tiu, 39, on suspicion of frustrated murder.

Bulahan, the lead investigator, said authorities were called to the couple’s home in Purok Tambis, Barangay Umapad, where Tiu reportedly confessed to the crime.

Bulahan said that based on the initial investigation, “jealousy” appeared to be the likely motive behind the crime.

“They had an altercation about an alleged affair with another woman,” he said.

The police officer said investigators found blood on the bed and floor of the house. When asked, Bulahan said Tunacao was stabbed “many times.”

The 37-year-old Tunacao is currently confined at Chong Hua Hospital and is now conscious, said  Bulahan. Tunacao has been unable to give a statement to police due to his condition.

Charges are expected to be formally filed on Thursday morning, September 17, after which Tiu will likely be detained at the city jail.

Tunacao, whose record stands at 35-3-3 (20 knockouts) won the WBC flyweight title in 2000, avenging Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Thai Medgoen Singsurat before losing it the following year. Tunacao last fought in September of 2014.  –Rappler.com