PENALOSA KEEPS WORLD BOXING COUNCIL CROWN
Pasay City, April 26, 1998 - All hell broke loose, and President Ramos himself fell on the canvas in the post-fight euphoria inside the Cuneta Astrodome following Gerry Penalosa's victory by technical draw over Number 1 challenger, Mexican Joel Luna Zarate last night (Saturday).
Presidential security men panicked when they heard what sounded like gunfire as boxing officials, media men and sports fans stormed the ring seconds after the fight. Several ring posts broke after dozens perched atop the arena.
The fight was described as "uneventful" and the victory actually resulted from a technical draw called after the fight was stopped when Penalosa bled profusely. The champion had blood spurting like a faucet from a flesh wound above the eyebrow, caused by an accidental headbutt.
Under the rules, a technical draw would automatically result in the champion retaining his crown.
The end came 2 minutes and 56 seconds into the second round. It was the third defense of Penalosa of the World Boxing Council super flyweight crown he won last February.
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