Pinoy boxer captures WBC Asian bantamweight title

FILE: Edison “Kamatis” Berwela (Photo by Edison Berwela/Facebook)

DAVAO CITY — Filipino journeyman Edison “Kamatis” Berwela twice scored a knockdown en route to a 6th round knockout against previously unbeaten Thiranan Matsali of Thailand to capture the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council bantamweight title on Friday in Pathum Thani, Thailand.

The 34-year-old Berwela first downed Matsali in Round 3 before he finally pummeled to submission the crowd-favorite Thai in the 6th round with a left overhang.

It was only the first loss suffered by Matsali, a former IBF Pan Pacific and WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver bantamweight champion.

Matsali, also known as Saenganan Sithsaithong dropped to 19 wins with only one loss. Berwela, on the other hand, improved his record to 16 wins against 37 losses and 8 draws.

He was coming from a loss by a unanimous decision against reigning PABA super bantamweight champion Anurak This last August 31 at the Bangkok University, Thonburi Campus in Bangkok.

He also fought but lost against PABA super flyweight champion Sutep Wangmuk by a unanimous decision in 2011 in Bangkok.

Berwela went back to Thailand in 2013 only to be stopped by a 6th round TKO by PABA bantamweight champion Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat in Bang Yai. Berwela then lost in two separate championship fights.

He dropped a unanimous decision to fellow Filipino Joe Noynay in their battle for the WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council Super Bantamweight crown at the SM MOA in Pasay on June 5, 2105.

Berwela also lost by a UD to Eranio Semillano in their WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council bantamweight title eliminator on Dec 13, 2015 in Paranaque City.

“Masayang masaya po ako at nag-champion ulit ako (I am very happy to be the champion again),” said Berwela, who was assisted at the corner by trainer Jayvee Alipio of Highland Bangkok Gym.