Controversy in title fight

There were apparent slip-ups in the 12th and last round of the close fight featuring Giemel Magramo against Judy Flores for the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) superflyweight title in a "Blow By Blow" event at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom, Parañaque last Sunday night.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

Both fighters benefited from the miscues so neither could claim undue advantage over the other but because of the blunders, a rematch should be in order.

Referee Oliver Garcia ruled a knockdown in the final frame and gave Magramo a mandatory eight-count. Replay angles showed no punch landed and Magramo lost his balance to fall on the canvas. The bigger error was the timekeeper signaling the end of the round with about 35 to 40 seconds left.