MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Romero Duno didn’t disappoint in his own main event as he outclassed Gilberto Gonzalez by unanimous decision (UD) at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California on Thursday, May 17 (Friday, May 18 in Manila).

Headlining a Golden Boy on ESPN card, Duno extended his winning streak to 8 fights by earning scores of 97-93 from two judges and 98-92 from the other in their 10-round lightweight contest. 

Gonzalez forced the Filipino nicknamed “Ruthless” to lean against the ropes after a right jab to the head with a minute left in 6th round but it didn’t take long for Duno to retaliate as he landed 3 straight body shots that left his Mexican foe catching for air. 

With the upper hand on his side, Duno kept peppering the wobbly Gonzalez with right haymakers to the body and a flurry of jabs. However, Gonzalez remained standing to finish the fight.

Explosive action in round 6 between Romero Duno and Gilberto Gonzalez #GBPonESPN Toe-to-toe action @fantasysprings pic.twitter.com/k1mXzRtB6Q

— Golden Boy Boxing (@GoldenBoyBoxing) May 18, 2018

Duno improved his record to 17 wins (14 knockouts) against only one loss and dealt Gonzalez, who has 26 wins, his 5th defeat. 

It is the second straight time Gonzalez lost to a Filipino after surrendering a UD verdict to Mercito Gesta in 2017. 

The 22-year-old pride of General Santos City has come a long way since his US debut in March 2017 as an opponent for the then-unbeaten Christian Gonzalez. 

Duno, in a major upset, floored Christian Gonzales twice for a second-round stoppage, a win that catapulted him to greater heights.

Since then, he pulled off a technical knockout win over compatriot Jason Tinampay in his hometown, a UD win over Juan Pablo Sanchez and an impressive first-round KO over Yardley Armenta Cruz last January, both in US.  

In the event’s undercard, Filipino Rey Perez suffered a UD loss to undefeated Mexican Oscar Duarte in their 10-round lightweight bout. 

Two judges scored it 99-89 for Duarte while the other one had it 98-90. – Rappler.com