By Ponciano “John” Melo Jr.
Filipino boxer Jhon Gemino stole the untelevised broadcast in the Wilder-Ortiz II after a massive upset over the unbeaten American boxer Arnold Alejandro via fifth-round knockout on their lightweight bout.
A left hook followed by a right hand sent Alejandro in the canvass for the second time in their fight before the referee waved it off for good.
“Masaya kasi hindi inaasahan. Nagulat lang talaga ako na napatumba ko siya. Akala ko babangon pa,” said the 5’3″ Gemino on an exclusive interview with Ponciano Melo Jr.
The boxer residing in Lipa, Batangas and an Ozamis Occidental native addressed that the victory was also dedicated to the fellow Pinoy boxers who failed to get the win in their recent fights.
A left jab in the first round already sent his opponent down, in this moment Gemino knew he could go for the kill as he elaborated what happened. Remaining aggressive but with care, Gemino took the fight upon the American in the succeeding rounds until he finished him off in the fifth on their scheduled eight-rounder.
Gemino, a natural 122 pounder flew with his camp was eyeing a fight at 126 pounds but the later decided their match to be at 130.
His camp noted that no one likes to fight him at bantamweight but they accepted the challenge of 130 which was originally at super bantam (126) because they were already in America.
Good for them, Gemino pulled a stunning upset.
He now has a professional record of 21 wins, 11 via knockout, 12 defeats and 1 draw while Alejandro suffered his first loss (11 wins, 1 loss).