By MARK REY MONTEJO
Eman Bacosa didn’t mind the pressure of fighting on a bigger stage as he scored a unanimous decision win over Nico Salado in the Thrilla in Manila II 50th Anniversary at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Bacosa, 21, delivered a spectacular performance in their six-round lightweight contest with the judges scoring the bout, 55, 58-55, 60-53, all in favor of the son of the boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
The 5-foot-10 pugilist now improved to 7-0-1 win-loss-draw record, while Salado slipped to a 2-2-1 card.
“It was a great experience na lumaban sa gantong mga event, I was happy that I scored a win,” said Bacosa.
It was a slow start for both rising stars with Bacosa trying to control the tempo. He then began his move in the following rounds, especially in the fourth where knocked down Salado via left hook.
The Boholano boxer managed to regain his footing and made a gallant push with a flurry of punches in the final round.
But his efforts weren’t enough as Bacosa had already piled enough points to prevail.
