By Ronnie Nathanielsz

IBO light flyweight champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto, short on training but full of heart, scored a brutal first round knockout over former champion and hometown favorite Nkosinathi Joyi in South Africa late Sunday, Manila Time.

The rematch had been postponed twice before, the second time last February 28 when Loreto underwent surgery for a swollen appendix which drastically cut down on his sparring and training regimen as he recovered from the surgery.

But as broadcast journalist and former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol reported nobody gave Loreto a chance to win especially with two South African judges as well as a South African referee but they didn’t reckon with the Filipino southpaw’s courageous heart and a string faith in God.

The noisy hometown fans who chanted a Zuku war song was quickly silenced as Loreto came charging out from the opening bell and with about one minute and 30 seconds into the round nailed Joyi with a crunching right hook followed by a left uppercut that dropped the former Olympian and two-time world champion for a mandatory count.

In an email to the New Standard/Viva Sports Pinol reported it was obvious that Joyi was badly hurt and as referee Nyangiwe motioned the two fighters to resume action Loreto stepped forward and ripped a combination to the head and as Joyi slumped almost motionless in the neutral corner referee Nyangiwe didn’t even mother to count and waved the fight off.

When it was over the 24 year old Loreto shouted “Thank you Lord.” With the win Loreto improved to 20-13 with 12 knockouts and proved that his stunning 3rd round knockout to win the title in Monte Carlo last February 12 was no fluke.

Loreto’s trainer Joven Jorda and manager Brico Santig wanted him not to go ahead with the title defense until he had completely recovered from surgery but he didn’t want the fight postponed because he wanted to earn so he could finish the little house he bwas building in Davao City.

Loreto thanked God “for helping me and feeling sorry for me.”

Loreto and his handlers are scheduled to  arrive in Manila on the 24th , in time to receive his award as one of the world champions at the 15th Annual “Flash” Elorde Banquet of Champions at the historic Manila Hotel.