The 89th Araw ng Dabaw DCABA Boxing Competition delivered a thrilling showcase of emerging talent, with 60 young fighters competing in 30 action-packed bouts at Bolton Elementary School on March 14. Organized by the Davao City Amateur Boxing Association (DCABA) in collaboration with local clubs, this one-day tournament celebrated the city's festival spirit while highlighting the skill and determination of its rising boxers.
Exciting Victories Across Weight Divisions
The event saw victories secured through various methods, including unanimous decisions, split decisions, referee stoppages (RSC), and knockouts, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the day. All winners were awarded cash prizes and certificates, adding to the prestige of the competition.
Notable Performances in Lower Weight Classes
In the 38kg division, Benson D. Cabca narrowly defeated Rayven Kyle M. Aguillon via split decision, while Mark James C. Sumaya claimed a similar split win in the 40kg class over Marjun Conosan. Jay Ann M. Bayo dominated the 41kg bout, earning an RSC victory against Lorie Gen L. Lucero.
Ace E. Leones won the 44kg category with a unanimous decision over Reynald O. Pantonial, and Reneboy Durano Reyes edged out Prince Ahron L. Cole in a split decision. John Vincent Dalmacio topped the 45kg division with a unanimous victory over Rich Mon S. Siega.
Standout Wins in Middle and Higher Weights
Other impressive performances included John Louise N. Magsoling in the 46kg division and Erick William A. Erana in the 47kg division, both securing unanimous decisions. Matteo Salvaña also claimed a win in the 47kg category. The 48kg division featured three winners: Rafer O. Arebado (RSC), Clark L. Torio, and Jomar V. Barabad, all by unanimous decision.
The 50kg bouts produced four winners: Joachim Leandro Clerino Molina (RSC), Janella Jen G. Bulalong (unanimous), Jillmark A. Yambo (RSC), and Kian Carl B. Cuizon (KO). John David D. Angcon dominated the 51kg division via RSC, and Prince Arm's C. Cole earned a unanimous victory in the 52kg class.
In the 53kg division, Ronnie V. Repe won unanimously, while Timothy M. Sokolov secured an RSC victory. Reymark B. Villarama topped the 54kg category by unanimous decision. Jet Femme S. Fornes claimed a split decision in the 55kg division, and Decebrix Jr. S. Amray earned a unanimous win in the 56kg class.
High-Stakes Finishes in Upper Divisions
The 58kg division crowned Mark Joseph C. Ducado and Miguelito A. Bantilan Jr., both by unanimous decision. In the 59kg division, Jian Aguhayon won via RSC-B, while Marc Owen M. Suarez edged his opponent in a split decision. Rodolfo M. Galinato III claimed the 60kg title in a closely contested split decision, a highlight of the event. The 62kg bouts concluded with unanimous wins for Josh Christian B. Yu and Juan Mario Cezar.
Community Impact and Organizational Efforts
DCABA president Seth Delos Reyes emphasized the tournament's positive influence on local youth. "This competition supports our young athletes. It keeps them focused, builds discipline, and steers them away from vices that can harm our community," he stated.
Delos Reyes noted that while the tournament was initially planned to include participants from neighboring provinces, permit restrictions limited it to Davao City athletes. Despite funding challenges, organizers successfully executed the event, maintaining high boxing standards and celebrating the city's emerging stars.
The DCABA-organized tournament was part of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival, presented by the Davao City government through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO). This collaboration underscored the community's commitment to fostering athletic talent and promoting healthy lifestyles among the youth.
