In a thrilling display of skill and power, Richard Laspona successfully defended his pristine undefeated record with a decisive second-round knockout victory against Cebuano opponent John Rey Labajo. The bout took place at the Carmen Municipal Gymnasium in Carmen, Bohol, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as part of a local boxing promotion that drew significant attention from fans and enthusiasts alike.
Laspona's Dominant Performance
Laspona, fighting out of the PMI Bohol Boxing Gym, showcased his technical prowess with a solid body shot that sent Labajo to his knees early in the second round. Although Labajo managed to regain his footing briefly, he was quickly overwhelmed by two consecutive body shots from Laspona. At the 2:26 mark of the round, the referee intervened to stop the fight, declaring Laspona the winner by knockout.
Record Updates and Fighter Stats
With this impressive win, Laspona's professional record improved to an outstanding 11-0, with 7 of those victories coming by way of knockout. On the other hand, John Rey Labajo's record fell to 4-5-2, with 4 knockouts. This match not only highlighted Laspona's rising status in the boxing community but also underscored his ability to finish fights decisively.
Other Notable Fights on the Card
The event featured several other exciting matchups that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Laspona's stablemate, Datu Adam, who holds a record of 7-0 with 5 knockouts, secured a second-round stoppage victory over Mark Glen Antaran, whose record now stands at 7-16-3 with 4 knockouts.
Additional results from the promotion included:
- Ruel Compuesto defeated Jofel Barcoma via technical knockout in the second round.
- Reggie Empis earned a unanimous decision win against Orlando Vitor.
- Cebu-based Boholano fighter Kevin Sumalinog knocked out Cerwin Genosas in the first round.
- Zairus Esito triumphed over John Paul Oyong with a technical knockout in the second round.
Implications for the Local Boxing Scene
This boxing promotion in Bohol not only provided a platform for emerging talents like Richard Laspona and Datu Adam but also demonstrated the vibrant and competitive nature of regional boxing in the Philippines. The victories recorded here are expected to boost the fighters' profiles and potentially lead to more significant opportunities in larger arenas. As the sport continues to grow locally, events like these play a crucial role in nurturing talent and engaging communities.
