Former world youth champion and one-time world title challenger Michael Dasmariñas started his road back to the gold by scoring another knockout win in Palanan, Makati City, Thursday night.
Following his 11-month absence, Dasmariñas showed no signs of ring rust as the 25-year old former World Boxing Council youth titleholder was precise with his offense against veteran Mateo Handig, securing an early lead in the scorecards.
The fight, however, was not given to him on a silver platter by the fighter known as Hot and Spicy. Handig slugged it out with his opponent until the eight round.
During the eighth frame, Dasmariñas found an opening to connect a body shot that forced Handig to crumble on the floor to secure his bounce back victory.
“Sobrang excited ako nang mabigyan ulit ako ng laban. Almost one year din po ako na pahinga. Hinahanap talaga ng katawan ko yung boxing,” the victorious Dasmariñas told Tiebreaker Times after the fight.
The win also served as his first step towards another title shot after signing with Singapore-based Ringstar Boxing Promotions. According to Dasmariñas, he is aware of the opportunity and uses it as motivation to give his best in the upcoming fights.
“Sabi ng boss ko dapat habang lumalaban ako, yung performance ko dapat lalong gumaganda po. Para sa laban ko sa Singapore, ipapakita ko na karapat-dapat akong mapasali sa Ringstar,” he furthered. “Kung pwede kong doblehin, triplehin pa yung pagte-training ko, gagawin po ko yun para sa title shot.”
With the victory, Dasmariñas improved his record to 26-2 with 17 knockouts. Handig, on the other hand, dropped to 13-15 overall.
In the main event, Makati’s own Lorence Rosas scored a unanimous decision win over Danilo Tampipi of Tarlac City.
Boxing Kontra Droga: Paenkwentro ni Cong. Monsour Del Rosario Results
August 24, 2017 – Palanan, Makati City
Lorence Rosas def. Danilo Tampipi (UD)
Michael Dasmariñas def. Mateo Handig (KO, 8th)
JC Francisco def. Micko Sacro (KO, 3rd)
Juanito Paredes def. Dexter Eraya (UD)
Prince Andrew Laurio def. Noel Guliman (UD)
Raymond Dela Cruz def. Diover Mgayaay (UD)
Jun Bismanos def. Jasper Cayno (UD)
Enrique Magsalin def. Junjun Cadpa (UD)
