Filipino sensation KO’s Frenchman for IBO world title

Rising Filipino sensation Michael Dasmarinas knocked out his Frenchopponent Karim Guerfi just seconds into the fourth round on Friday towin the vacant International Boxing Organisation bantamweight worldtitle in Singapore.Dasmarinas, a southpaw, unleashed a powerful left hook to the jaw ofGuerfi, sending the French fighter to a hard landing on the canvass asmedics rushed in with a stretcher.Eyes dazed, he tried in vain to get up and then rolled to the side asmedics checked his face. He later left the ring on his own.A teary-eyed Dasmarinas raised his hands in jubilation as Filipinos inthe crowd of about 4,000 spectators at the Singapore Indoor Stadiumroared in approval.Dasmarinas, 25, increased his record to 28 wins, 19 of them via theshort 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 unleashhis deadly left hand.In the main event, Singaporean fighter Muhamad Ridhwan, 30, won overFilipino fighter Jeson Umbal, 23, via a split decision following abrutal final 12th round to retain the IBO intercontinental featherweighttitle.