Sports
Michael Dasmarinas vies for world title in Singapore
MANILA — Michael Dasmarinas is looking to join Jerwin Ancajas and Donnie Nietes as Filipino world boxing champions as he headlines Ringstar Boxing’s latest showcase in Singapore on April 20.
Dasmarinas battles French foe Karim Guerfi for the IBO bantamweight title at Roar of Singapore 4: Night of Champions at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The native of Camarines Sur who is now based in Metro Manila made an impression in his first fight in Singapore last October, knocking out Phupha Por Nobnom of Thailand in just the second round of a scheduled six-round match.
The impressive win earned him a world title shot.
“Nakakagalak po at nabigyan tayo ng Ringstar ng ganitong pagkakataong mapakita ang ating galing bilang Pilipino (I am glad to be given this opportunity by Ringstar to show my skills as a Filipino),” said Dasmarinas. “Ngayon po ay puspusan ang aking paghahanda. Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating ensayo dahil nais ko po makamit ang IBO world title na ito (I have intensified my training because I want to win this IBO title).”
The Dasmarinas-Guerfi tiff will also have some bearing in the WBC ranks as the Filipino contender, ranked 12th by the organization, looks to barge to the Top 10 with a stunner over Guerfi, who is fourth in the rankings.
Another Filipino, Jeson Umbal, will be in the fight card as he battles undefeated Singaporean pug Muhamad Ridhwan for the IBO intercontinental featherweight title.
Meanwhile, Mirage Kahn of Malaysia takes on New Zealand’s Chase Haley for the WBC Asia and IBO Oceania light heavyweight belts.