Herlan Sixto Gomez, a 23-year-old boxer from Barangay Madalag, E. B. Magalona in Negros Occidental successfully defended his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight title in the recently concluded Knockout Blows in Bangkok, Thailand.
Gomez defeated Jakpan Sangtong of Thailand via KO/TKO in round two of their main card game at RCA Plaza in Spaceplus Bangkok on May 25, a press release from EB Magalona said Tuesday, May 30.
In a video message, Gomez relayed the news to his fellow Saraviahanons, and thanked Mayor Marvin Malacon for the financial support for his fight in Thailand.
His father, Herman Gomez Sr., also wrote to Malacon: “With heartfelt gratitude, thank you very much Mayor for your full support to our son, Herlan.”
The elder Gomez said the May 25 game of his son was the third time that he defended his title.
Gomez had clinched the vacant ABF bantamweight belt after a fourth round technical knockout win over Thai Wicha Phulaikhao at the Spaceplus Bangkok on February 22.
Prior to his professional boxing career, Gomez had won various amateur boxing competitions.
He won four gold medals in the Governor Alfredo Marañon Open Boxing Championship in 2014 at the Panaad Stadium, in 2015 at the BAYS Center in Bacolod City, in 2016 in Cadiz City, and in 2017 in La Carlota City.
He was a two-time champion in the Visayas quarterfinals of the PSC- Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup in 2018.
Gomez was also a two-time silver medalist in the Philippine National Games in 2018 and 2019.
He was also a two-time silver medalist in the Philippine National Games in 2018 and 2019, and a three-time champion in boxing in the Area III Athletic Meet.
Gomez finished his secondary education at the E. B. Magalona National High School and his elementary education at the Doña A. Barrera Memorial School in Barangay Madalag.*