By Salven L. Lagumbay

 

Bantamweight Michael Domingo exacted sweet revenge for Z Gorres, stopping Colombian Luis Melendez in less than two rounds a few minutes ago at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel here.

 

A huge left by Domingo to Melendez' midsection brought the visiting fighter down on all fours, prompting referee Gene Del Bianco to administer the count.

 

Ever the brave fighter that he is known for, Melendez tried his best to get up against excruciating pain, but his legs betrayed him prompting the referee to count him out.

 

Domingo whooped it up after the win, then turned into his friend Gorres who was seated at ringside with wife Datches as if to say, "this one's for you," while the retired fighter gave his thumbs up on Domingo for a job well done.

 

Domingo came out of his corner in the opening round like a man on a mission, as if Melendez had stolen his girlfriend, and chased the visiting fighter like a house on fire. Domingo displayed awesome combination punching to the head and body, while Melendez opted to feel out his more aggressive foe.

 

It was a very sharp and accurate Domingo who faced Melendez, perhaps the main reason why IBF bantam champ opted to face Abner Mares yesterday to defend his title halfway across the globe. The fight was declared a draw.

 

Jimrex Jaca, now training at the ALA Gym, stopped James Kimori of Kenya in the fourth round following a big left that sent the Kenyan down for good with 1:30 remaining in the round.

 

ALA fighter Jason Pagara easily disposed of Romeo Jakosalem in the second round of their scheduled 10-rounder.

 

James Bacon disposed of Cerilo Espino in the third, after the latter failed to come out of the mandated five-minute break given him after he suffered from an accidental low blow by Bacon, who was leading on all judges' scorecards prior to the decision.

 

Kotsy Ebalang and Rocky Sismundo turned out to be the night's best fight but their four-round slugfest was declared a unanimous draw.

 

Welbeth Loberanis, the former amateur standout, easily outpointed Anthony Galigao of Bohol, while Gerald Ranque of Harada Stable edged out Jocel Gestopa in the four-round curtain-raiser.