Dasmarinas set for IBO world title defense vs Ghanaian foe

Filipino boxer Michael Dasmarinas (C) celebrates after defeating French opponent Karim Guerfi during the International Boxing Organization (IBO) Batanmweight world title in Singapore on April 20, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Nicholas Yeo

Filipino boxer Michael Dasmarinas is set for the first defense of his IBO World bantamweight championship when he faces undefeated challenger Manyo Plange on Sept. 29 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Dasmarinas just completed his three-week camp in Kashiwa, Japan and will return to the same country where he won his strap after knocking out Karim Guerfi 40 seconds into the fourth round of their fight.

The 26-year-old southpaw who holds a 28-2 record (19 KOs) will face the undefeated Plange, 17-0, in his third straight fight in the city-state.

“I’m excited to fight again, and I wish the fight were tomorrow already,” said Dasmarinas in Filipino. “As a boxer, I am training very hard for this next fight, I’m training as hard as the last time but now I want to prove myself even more as a boxer especially that I have the IBO World bantamweight belt with me.”

Ringstar Boxing promotes the event dubbed Roar of Singapore V—The Kings of Lion City.

“Michael Just keeps getting better and possesses that one punch knockout power all his future opponents now fear,” said Ringstar founder Scott Farrell.

Dasmarinas, who won his title in April of this year, hopes Filipinos in Singapore would support him in his upcoming fight.

“To the Filipinos, especially those in Singapore, please come and support my fight,” said Dasmarinas. “I will make sure I would win for my country.”