MANILA, Philippines – Although he already knew that he was on the verge of capturing the vacant Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) flyweight championship, newly-minted titleholder Jenel Lausa was expecting a different result on the judges’ scorecards.
Lausa, who edged out Crisanto Pitpitunge in the main event of PXC 51 on Saturday, January 16 via split verdict, thought that he did enough to get a unanimous decision from the 3 cageside officials.
“I was surprised with the judges’ decision. I was expecting a unanimous decision win against Crisanto,” he told Rappler.
The 27-year-old native of Concepcion, Iloilo felt that he started to dictate the pace of the championship clash in the second round, where he utilized his boxing pedigree by delivering left jab-right straight combinations and denying Pitpitunge’s takedown attempts.
“From Rounds 2 to 5, I knew it’s all mine because he couldn’t score a takedown. My strikes were forcing him to backpedal and run around the cage,” Lausa said.
When the bout’s final bell sounded, Lausa knew that he was walking out of Solaire Resort and Casino’s Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City with the PXC silver-plated strap around his waist.
“After the fifth round, I was already confident that I won the fight. From my view, I got four rounds to one,” he quipped.
Regardless of the judges’ decision, Lausa stressed that he remains delighted with the outcome of the title tilt.
“I am so happy whether it’s split or unanimous. I am now the champion,” he said in jest.
Lausa is willing to face any fighter in PXC’s flyweight roster to prove his worth as a fighting champion.
“I am willing to fight anyone and defend this belt. I am ready. That’s all,” he ended.– Rappler.com