Quarterfinals matches were held Thursday night in the seniors class with Ladon breaking the defense of Cantancio, a teammate in the national squad, with jabs and straights for an easy 33-21 points win.

"Wala naman akong naging problema pero medyo sumakit itong kanang kamay ko. Pero hindi ito makakaapekto sa susunod kong laban," said the 27-year-old Ladon, who will next face Jherigs Chavez.

Chavez beat Misamis Oriental’s Alfredo Basadre, 15-8.

Tipon also advanced into the semifinals with an even more impressive win over Cebu City’s Jerry Pajal.

The 2006 Asian Games gold medalist, who is using the Open to regain his pride after weak showings in foreign competitions, sent four left straights to Pajal that forced the Cebuano to retire with just 35 seconds in the first round.

Tipon, who opened his campaign with an RSC-CCL over Allen Manaog from Northern Samar, meets with Joel Haveria from Sorsogon, a 22-20 winner over Agustin Delarmino from host Iloilo.

PN’s Lhyven Salazar leaned on his vast experience and prevailed over PAF and national pool member Jay-Ar Quiam in the bantamweight. Airman Albert Pabila also advanced into the light flyweight semis of this week-long championships organized by Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines and hosted by the Iloilo City Government with Pacific Heights as sponsor.

Salazar, a national mainstay who shone in the 2001 Acropolis Cup in Greece, managed a strong start for a 53-42 win over a younger and taller rival.

"Lamang ako sa kanya sa karanasan kaya ang plano talaga ay unahan siya," the 5-foot-4 Salazar said, referring to his 5-foot-10 foe.

Pabila beat Marvin Somodio of Baguio, 19-11. His expected rival for the gold, Froilan Saludar of Davao del Norte, demolished Jayson Pragata from Batangas City with an RSC-Outclassed in the first round.

Philippine Navy’s Florencio Ferrer won over Esmael Bacongon, 15-9, in the light middleweight bout to move into the medal round.