BOXING fans from all over the globe took to social media in comforting Reymart Gaballo after his knockout defeat, believing in his capability to rise up to the challenge.
“Good job Meg, ikaw pa din ang champion namo dire Polomolok,” wrote one Johnson Doktora, addressing Gaballo with his hometown nickname.
“Okey lang yan boss bata ka pa masyado at magaling ka naman kabado kalang at di mo nabigay tunay na laro mo kasi pokos ka sa left hook,” observed Garry Tapic.
The Mindanao pride Reymart Gaballo from Polomolok, South Cotabato lost for the first time in a stinging way but gained valuable experience on how to deal with a high-caliber tormentor who happens to be his ring idol.
A left hook from fellow Filipino Donito Donaire, Jr to the liver ended the 25-year-old Gaballo’s 24-zero win streak as he suffered the first knockout in his young boxing career in a California ring on Saturday, December 11 (Sunday, Dec. 12, Manila time).
Despite the loss, Gaballo was able to earn respect and even developed a fan-based in the United States.
“I believe this is just the beginning of Reymart’s career as a world champ! Since day one that he arrived here in the US I’ve been following him,” said OFW Darwin Dante.
“I skipped my work just to watch his fight live at Carson. The year 2022 will be an epic comeback for Reymart! I’ll start saving money now for a ringside seat if ever he will be featured in the main event at the MGM Arena,” he added. “Mark my word this will hold true in the future! We’ll be back champ.”
The handler of Reymart’s Official Facebook Fan Page Ken Rick Gaballo expressed thanks and appreciation to the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight king Donaire for his humbleness and humility.
After the fourth-round stoppage, the 39-year-old Donaire ― the four-division world champion and future Hall of Famer ― immediately helped out and checked the condition of Gaballo who struggled to stand up from the powerful hook that sucked the air out of him.
Donaire to Gaballo: “Reymart, you are a warrior. You are strong, you are smart, you are talented. Thank you for sharing the ring with me. I am humbled by the way you really brought the fight. I wish to see you as a world champion someday. Know if you need me, I’ll be there for you. You have my respect and my friendship.”
Cagayan de Oro-based Rene Abarrientos, the oldest former world boxing champion at 79, said he could not be happier to witness the day Gaballo attain ring greatness.
Barrientos said he spent his teenage years in Polomolok working as a laborer and it was the place where he first laced on the gloves.
“I also came from Polomolok boxing-wise. And it’s a pleasure to see another world champion coming from Polomolok town,” Barrientos said.
Donaire, who is actually Gaballo’s neighbor from nearby General Santos City, hiked his ring record to 42-six with 28 knockouts and, more importantly, would likely earn a rematch with Japanese great Naoya Inoue next year.
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