HAMBURG, Germany – The Philippine team to the 17th AIBA World Championships is down to one man as Olympian Rogen Ladon was upset by Zhomart Yerzhan of Kazkahstan Sunday in their round-of-16 match at the Sporthalle here.
Ladon, bronze medalist in the same tournament in Qatar two years ago, found Yerzhan not only tough but a rough opponent as well.
The referee repeatedly cautioned Yerzhan for clinching and using his arms to ward off Ladon but went on to score a split decision win in a closely-fought bout and advanced in the quarterfinals of the meet.
Ladon, who saw action in last year’s Rio De Janeiro Olympics, was given a free ride to the round-of-16 as he was seeded fifth in the division.
The loss leaves flyweight Dannel Maamo as the only remaining medal hope for the Philippines.
But Maamo has to clear a major roadblock when he sees action Monday against Cuban top seed Yosvany Veitia.