Heno erases doubt, gets OPBF belt with win over Japanese foe

MANILA, Philippines – This time, Edward Heno took his fate into his own hands. 

The 24-year-old Filipino boxer did not allow himself to be subject to the scoring controversies that had taken the vacant Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) light flyweight title from his hands just 4 months ago, finishing Seita Ogido at 1:35 of the seventh round in their rematch. 

The title, which became vacant when Ken Shiro won the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title in May, was awarded to Heno by majority decision, then rescinded when a scoring error was discovered on one of the cards, rendering the fight a majority draw.

The sequel was fought at University of the Ryukyus in Nakagami, Japan, the same place as the first fight, with a different outcome this time around. 

“Heno kept saying how bad he felt after the OPBF withdrew his win the last time. He already figured out Ogido’s style and he won’t leave it to the judges to decide and that he is going for a KO,” said Anson Tiu Co, manager of the Baguio City-based fighter.

Two judges had the fight even at 57-57 at the time of stoppage while the third had Ogido ahead 58-56.

The OPBF, one of the oldest remaining regional titles, awards the holder a world ranking with the WBC inside the top 15, which makes them eligible to fight for their world title. – Rappler.com