Criztian Laurente outlasts Indonesian foe, takes IBF Pan Pacific strap
At A Glance
- Criztian Laurente outgunned Indonesia's Hebi Marapu and earned a unanimous decision win to capture the vacant IBF Pan Pacific lightweight title at the Phela Grande Convention Center in General Santos City on Sunday, Aug. 31.
(Criztian GoldenBoy Laurente's FB post)
Criztian Laurente outgunned Indonesia’s Hebi Marapu and earned a unanimous decision win to capture the vacant IBF Pan Pacific lightweight title at the Phela Grande Convention Center in General Santos City on Sunday, Aug. 31.
The 25-year-old southpaw copped the regional strap in front of his hometown fans after outpointing his Indonesian foe in their 10-round bout where the three judges scored the lopsided fight at 100-90, 99-91, and 99-91.
Laurente, an emerging boxer in his division, improved his professional record to 15-0-0 with 9 knockouts. Marapu, meanwhile, slid to a 19-3-1 slate.
“First of all, I give all the glory and praise to my Lord Jesus Christ for this victory and for the strength, grace, and guidance He has given me throughout this journey,” Laurente wrote on his social media post.
“To my family, friends, and everyone who supported, prayed, and cheered for me, this win is not only mine, but also yours. Your love and encouragement gave me the courage to push through the hardest moments inside and outside the ring,” he added.
Laurente's victory added to his growing list of accolades which included gold medals in Palarong Pambansa and Philippine National Games, and a bronze in 2018 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championship.
Meanwhile in Laurente’s co-main event in the nine-match slugfest, Reymart Gaballo fired a flurry of deadly blows and beat India’s Pawan Kumar Arya in the fourth round via doctor stoppage.
Gaballo hiked his card to 30 wins with 25 KOs against two defeats, while Indian Arya suffered his third loss with seven wins.