TRENCH Tech’s Andres “Tanapag Beach Bad Boy” Camacho triumphed over Guam Muay Thai’s Jake Albert via split decision at the Garapan Central Park round house on Saturday.
Their boxing match was the main event of the Ring of Fire, which gave the island’s fight fans long-awaited action after over a five-year hiatus.
In the first round, both fighters exchanged blows. Albert stood his ground with proper clinches and a handful of straights and jabs, but toward the final minute, it was Camacho who played the role of the aggressor and connected big shots to end the round slightly ahead.
In round 2, Albert unleashed more shots before going for the clinch to kill Camacho’s rhythm.
Round 3 action saw both fighters connecting with a few haymakers. Despite showing signs of fatigue, they continued to fight as warriors till the very end.
Based on the judges’ score cards, Camacho took the first round, 29-28; Albert won the next round, 29-28; and Camacho notched the final round, 29-28, to win via split decision.
“My opponent was tough,” Camacho said. “My strategy was to hurt him early so his gas tank would follow. He didn’t hit hard but he kept coming. His clinches were hard to defend.”
When asked if he thought he “delivered,” he answered, “I believe I did. As for my thoughts on the results…, I have only gained from this [match] and look forward to working on what I can to improve in this sport.”
Camacho fought in MMA late last year and early this year, but he was not that familiar with boxing until his match against Albert.
“It felt really nerve-racking,” Camacho said. “Besides being the last fight of the night, I appreciate Trench Tech Promotions for having me as the main event. But what’s new to me is boxing. It’s definitely a different game for me. Something I plan on improving.”
Camacho thanked the fans for coming out to support the fighters, and his coach and sparring partners in Hawaii and at Trech Tech.
The Tank vs the Raging Bull
In the co-main event, Guam Muay Thai’s Sam “Tank” Emanuel bested Trench Tech’s Stanley “the Raging Bull” Iakopo in a boxing match.
Both fighters stood on their feet and exchanged blows, but Emanuel proved to be the fresher boxer throughout the first two rounds, which led to a TKO victory over Iakopo.
Joining the winner’s circle in the boxing matches were Jamaal Mresbang, who won via unanimous decision over Ram Lee; Mathew Moriano over Gren Cepeda via unanimous decision; Jerome Cariaga via unanimous decision against Josh Soccorro; Audiescott Iakopo beating Leo Tenorio via unanimous decision; Mametto Iakopo over Glaine Cepeda via majority decision; Patterson Joseph over Salvatore Gotti via unanimous decision; and Knighty Soulik over Edryan Bayot via unanimous decision.
The results of the kickboxing matches will be featured in Variety’s next edition.
Andres Camacho, right, poses for a photo with his brother Jose and father Froilan after winning his Ring of Fire boxing match at the Garapan Central Park roundhouse on Saturday.
Jamaal Mresbang’s left hook crashes into Ram Lee’s jaw during their Ring of Fire boxing match on Saturday at the Garapan Central Park roundhouse.
