MICHAEL Dasmariñas became the latest Filipino world boxing champion after claiming the IBO world bantamweight championship with a fourth-round knockout win over French Karim Guerfi on Friday night at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
It was the first world championship of the Pili, Camarines Sur native after losing in his first try against former IBO world super flyweight champion Lwandile Sithaya four years ago.
In an online chat with Buzzer Beater, Dasmariñas admitted the felt he was about to lose, with the opponent leading in the first three rounds before his powerful left hook sent Guerfi down for good.
“Swerte rin na nakapakawala tayo ng knockout punch,” Dasmariñas said. “Kung hindi dahil dun ay matatalo tayo kasi lamang na lamang (sa scorecards) si Guerfi nung first three rounds.”
“Hindi siya bastang kalaban. Malalakas at matatalim rin yung mga suntok na pinapakawalan niya,” he added. “Kaya gusto ko rin magpasalamat kay Lord at nakuha ko ang world championship dahil dream ko talaga ito.”
Dasmariñas earned the shot at the world championship after an impressive win against Thai opponent Phupha Por Nobnom on Oct. 20, 2017 at the Suntec Convention Center.
“Nakakagalak po at nabigyan tayo ng Ringstar Promotions ng ganitong pagkakataong mapakita ang ating galing bilang Pilipino at makalaban sa world championship,” Dasmariñas said.
With the world championship belt now tucked under his belt, the 25-year-old Dasmariñas promised to train harder to prepare for his possible title defense later this year.
With the victory, Dasmariñas improved to a 28-2-0 (win-loss-draw) record, including 19 victories by way of knockouts, while the 31-year-old Guerfi’s slate dropped to 26-4-0, with eight knockout wins.
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Talisay team captured the girls crown of the 2018 Tinto Basco Summer Volleyball League after a 25-8, 25-15, 25-15 win over Living Stones International School at the Gatuslao Gym in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Led by Nikka Ann Medina, Honey Grace Cordero and Christine dela Cruz, Talisay pounced on the miscues of Living Stones to take the title in three straight sets.
Medina was later adjudged Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter. Cordero was named as Best Opposite Spiker while Dela Cruz and Mary Melony Amaro were hailed Best Setter and Best Server, respectively.
On its way to the championship round, Talisay defeated Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts 20-25, 25-20, 25-19 while Living Stones edged University of St. La Salle 22-25, 25-22, 25-23.
Meanwhile Thunderbolts was able to salvage a third-place finish in the tournament after beating USLS 25-17, 26-24 behind Best Middle Blocker Diyah Mejos, Best Libero Pearl Ann Denura and Aurea Alvero.
In the boys category, Silay team won the title by beating Aklan 25-21, 15-25, 26-24, 32-30 while USLS took the third-place trophy with a 25-15, 25-17 win over Himamaylan./PN
