Herlan Sixto Gomez, a 23-year-old boxer from Barangay Madalag E. B. Magalona, 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 last May 25.

Herlan Sixto Gomez, a 23-year-old boxer from Barangay Madalag E. B. Magalona, successfully defended his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight title in the recently concluded Knockout Blows in Spaceplus Bangkok, Thailand last May 25. (Photo from Facebook page of BRICO LANGBAY SANTIG)

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.

Herlan Sixto Gomez, a 23-year-old boxer from Barangay Madalag E. B. Magalona, successfully defended his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight title in the recently concluded Knockout Blows in Spaceplus Bangkok, Thailand last May 25. (Photo from Facebook page of BRICO LANGBAY SANTIG)

“Sa amon mapinalangga-on nga mayor, Mayor Marvin Malacon, gapasalamat gid ako sa imo nga bulig sa pag-suporta sa akon nga hampang,” he said.

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, 2023 game of his son was the third time that he defended his title in a series of boxing matches in Thailand.

Herlan Sixto Gomez, a 23-year-old boxer from Barangay Madalag E. B. Magalona, successfully defended his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight title in the recently concluded Knockout Blows in Spaceplus Bangkok, Thailand last May 25. (Photo from Facebook page of BRICO LANGBAY SANTIG)

Gomez had clinched the vacant ABF bantamweight belt after a fourth round technical knockout win over Thai Wicha Phulaikhao at the Spaceplus Bangkok last 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 in Panaad Stadium, in 2015 in BAYS Center 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.

He was also a two-time silver medalist in boxing in the Philippine National Games in 2018 and 2019.

He was also a three-time champion in boxing in the Area III Athletic Meet.

Gomez finished his secondary education from E. B. Magalona National High School and his elementary from Doña A. Barrera Memorial School in Barangay Madalag.*

E. B. MAGALONA PIO