Rising Filipino sensation Michael Dasmarinas knocked out his French
opponent Karim Guerfi just seconds into the fourth round on Friday to
win the vacant International Boxing Organisation bantamweight world
title in Singapore.
Dasmarinas, a southpaw, unleashed a powerful left hook to the jaw of
Guerfi, sending the French fighter to a hard landing on the canvass as
medics rushed in with a stretcher.
Eyes dazed, he tried in vain to get up and then rolled to the side as
medics checked his face. He later left the ring on his own.
A teary-eyed Dasmarinas raised his hands in jubilation as Filipinos in
the crowd of about 4,000 spectators at the Singapore Indoor Stadium
roared in approval.
Dasmarinas, 25, increased his record to 28 wins, 19 of them via the
short route. The 31-year-old Guerfi’s record fell to four losses.
Guerfi was more aggressive throughout, while the Filipino was cautious,
choosing to absorb some punches while waiting for a chance to unleash
his deadly left hand.
In the main event, Singaporean fighter Muhamad Ridhwan, 30, won over
Filipino fighter Jeson Umbal, 23, via a split decision following a
brutal final 12th round to retain the IBO intercontinental featherweight
title.
Filipino boxer Michael Dasmarinas (centre) celebrates after defeating French opponent Karim Guerfi during the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) batamweight world title in Singapore. (AFP)