By WAYLON GALVEZ
Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga still proved sharp and classy despite a long break as he produced a fourth round stoppage win over Junuel Lacar in their six-round bout Saturday at the International Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Mandaue City, Cebu.
It was the 27-year-old Barriga’s first foray since his late 2018 fight in a US debut as he came through with excellent combinations to the head and body that led to a victory.
The end came late in the fourth round for the 28-year-old Lacar when his side felt he already received enough and called for a corner stoppage in the 10-bout card organized by the Omega Boxing Promotions.
The victory improved the ring record of the Danao native to 10 wins against one defeat, which was inflicted by American Carlos Licona in a split decision for the vacant IBF world minimum weight title on Dec. 1, 2018 at The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The 2012 London Olympics participant also captured a gold medal in the 2013 Myanmar Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and earned a bronze medal during the 2014 Incheon Asian Games in Korea.
Mark Vicelles, meantime, scored a fourth round knockout win against Richard Rosales as he extended his unbeaten streak to 13 wins.
Omega’s head trainer Julius Naranjo said the 25-year-old boxer needs few more bouts before they try to look for a bigger fight him.
In other results, Pete Apolinar, Carlo Bacaro, Arthur Villanueva and Benny Canete scored similar unanimous decision wins over their respective rivals.
In Kumbati 8 results, Tomjune Mangubat defeated Ryan Maano, Reggie Suganob knocked out Paulo Sy in the third round, while Rodel Sunganob and Luiz Borjie had a draw.
