By Nick Giongco Ernesto Saulong heads back to his hotel room in Tokyo with chief handler Ariel Araja. Ryosuke Iwasa of Japan retained the IBF super-bantam crown on a unanimous decision. (Nick Giongco)TOKYO — Ernesto Saulong fell short on his bid to become a world champion Thursday after dropping a lopsided 12-round decision to fleet-footed Japanese champion Ryosuke Iwasa in their International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight title fight at the Ryogoku Sumo Arena. All three judges – Katsuhiko Nakamura of Japan, Ian Scott of New Zealand and Gregorio Ortega of the Philippines – scored it for Iwasa, who was making the first defense of the IBF 115-lb crown. Showcasing excellent footwork, a stiff right jab and a stinging left straight, Iwasa was never in trouble of losing although there were a few times late in the fight when Saulong made it a bit interesting. But Saulong, rated No. 13, later admitted that Iwasa, who was taller and had the longer reach, was the better man. “Nahilo din ako kasi malakas sya,” Saulong told Japanese reporters with the aid of a Filipino-speaking Japanese guide. Iwasa immediately showed the vast difference in class as early as the first round when he snapped Saulong’s head backwards using his pet jab-straight combo. Sensing the superiority of Iwasa, Saulong’s corner was quick to tell the Mindoro native to throw punches in bunches but it was easier said than done. Saulong simply didn’t have the natural talent to get inside without getting caught coming in. “Hindi natin na-solve yung style ng kalaban,” swore construction magnate Ariel Araja of Laguna, who was among the guys at ringside aside from lead trainer Joven Jimenez who begged the fighter to go for broke. For his brave effort, Saulong earned $30,000 and the money is expected to fund the repair of his parents’ house. “Kubo lang kasi ang bahay namin,” he said while pressing an icepack on his forehead.