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 match at the RCA Plaza in Spaceplus Bangkok last May 25.
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.
“Sa amon mapinalangga-on nga (to our beloved) mayor, Mayor Marvin Malacon, gapasalamat gid ako sa imo nga bulig sa pag-suporta sa akon nga hampang (I am thankful for the help and support in my game),” 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 match of his son was the third time that he defended his title in a series of boxing matches in Thailand.
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 from the Governor Alfredo Marañon Open Boxing Championship in 2014 at the Panaad Stadium; in 2015 at the BAYS Center Bacolod City; in 2016 at Cadiz City; and 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 boxing silver medalist in the Philippine National Games, in 2018 and 2019, and a three-time boxing champion in the Area III Athletic Meet.
Gomez finished his secondary education from E. B. Magalona National High School and spent his elementary years at Doña A. Barrera Memorial School in Barangay Madalag.*
