Tepora downs Mexican foe to claim WBA belt

Jhack Tepora became the new interim WBA featherweight champion after defeating Edivaldo Ortega in the co-main event of the “Fight of Champions” at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday. (Photo by Kristin Wall/Flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0)

MANILA — Before Philippine boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao even steps in for his title bout against Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, a Filipino world boxing champion was crowned.

Jhack Tepora became the new interim WBA featherweight champion after defeating Edivaldo Ortega in the co-main event of the “Fight of Champions” at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday.

A late ninth round haymaker was all the Cebuano native needed to beat his Mexican opponent via stoppage.

Tepora found an opening to connect to send Ortega down, and despite Ortega making the eight-count, Tepora charged through and went for a flurry, forcing the referee to declare the technical knockout at the 2:38 mark of Round 9.

Tepora remains unbeaten after 22 fights, while Ortega suffered his second loss with 26 wins and one draw.

Earlier, Mig Elorde scored a third round knockout win against Ratchanon Sawangsoda.