Harmonito dela Torre gets a majority decision win over Guillermo Sanchez in his first fight in the United States yesterday. (CONTRIBUTED)
HE MAY have failed to impress in his first fight in the United States but Harmonito “Hammer” dela Torre got the job done nonetheless after he scored a majority decision win over American opponent Guillermo Sanchez yesterday at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.
The General Santos City-native Dela Torre kept his immaculate record intact, pocketing his 18th straight victory laced with 12 knockout wins.
“I’m happy with the win but I know I have a lot more to improve,” said the 22-year-old Dela Torre.
Two judges scored the bout for the Filipino fighter, 78-74, and 77-75, while the third judge had it even at 76-all.
“It was not a good performance for Harmonito. It’s a good learning experience for him,” said JC Manangquil, chief executive officer of the General Santos City-based Sanman Promotions, who manages Dela Torre along with Adam Wilcock and Greg Cohen Promotions.
Manangquil said the long travel to the US may have slowed down Dela Torre.
“It was hard for him to recover from the jetlag and he hurt his right hand in the fourth round,” said the youthful boxing promoter.
Dela Torre, the reigning World Boxing Federation (WBF) world super featherweight champion, will continue to sharpen his arsenals as he gears up for bigger fights ahead, said Manangquil.
“He needs more training in Miami with his new Cuban coach Osmiri “Moro” Fernandez. He will be back better,” Manangquil added.