Petalcorin KOs Tello in 7 to win WBA interim junior flyweight title

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer Randy Petalcorin knocked out Panamanian contender Walter Tello in 7 rounds to win the WBA interim junior flyweight title at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China on Tuesday, August 26.

Petalcorin (22-1-1, 16 knockouts) of General Santos City, Philippines dominated the fight throughout with his superior boxing technique highlighted by his southpaw counter uppercuts and left crosses. It was his right hook, however, that brought an end to the fight. 

In the seventh round, a right hook after a left uppercut scored the first knockdown of the fight. Tello (20-8, 8 KOs) rose up but a counter right hook followed by a left cross scored a second knockdown, with the fight being stopped shortly after.

“A new champion is born: his name is Randy Petalcorin,” said Petalcorin’s promoter Jim Claude Manangquil, who says promoter Top Rank has discussed a possible defense in January.

Petalcorin is now one of four Filipino boxers with a belt, following Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr and Donnie Nietes.

The 22-year-old Petalcorin is now in line for a shot at the recognized WBA 108 pound champion Alberto Rossel (32-8, 13 KOs) of Peru, which Manangquil says could happen in the next few months.

“We want Rossel,” Manangquil says of Petalcorin’s plans. – Rappler.com