Filipino boxer Michael Dasmarinas (C) celebrates after defeating French opponent Karim Guerfi during the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Batamweight world title in Singapore on April 20, 2018. Filipino boxer Michael Dasmarinas defeated French opponent Karim Guerfi seconds into the fourth round to win the International Boxing Organisation bantamweight world title in Singapore. / AFP PHOTO / Nicholas Yeo
There will be no shortage of action when up-and-coming Filipinos Michael Dasmariñas and Kenny Demecillo share the ring in the main event of “Rising Stars” Saturday at Resorts World Manila.
With a potential shot at the IBF bantamweight world title on the line, the two camps are not planning on leaving anything to chance.
“Dasmariñas now has the chance to firmly make his mark as the No. 1 man to beat at 118 lbs. I have taken Michael from the small events to an IBO world title in three fights under the Ringstar banner,” said promoter Scott Patrick Farrell.
Dasmariñas (28-2-1, 19 KOs) has the experience as one of his advantages heading into the bout. He is also on a tear, having won 10 of his last 11 fights.
His most recent bout against Manyo Plange last year in Singapore ended in a split draw.
“He possesses the hardest punch with snap at that weight and is a feared body snatcher with fast, accurate hands,” said Farrell.
That punching power was on display when he stopped frenchman Karim Guerfi in the fourth round early last year to win the IBO belt.
Like Dasmariñas, Demecillo is a dangerous fighter as well.
“At this point, yes, Demecillo is ready to face the best in the world. He is this era’s Navarette or Duran. He is all heart, one who’s willing to take a punch so he can dish his own,” said international judge Arnie Najera, a veteran judge of more than 400 professional fights.
“I don’t think there’s anybody in his division, one up or one lower, that he fears at the moment. He takes on all comers. The Demecillos of Cebu are known to be sluggers, no reverse gear, just forward. And they are durable,” added Najera, who has personally watched Demecillo fight four times.
The fight card features a total of 11 bouts including another title eliminator fight for the IBF minimumweight crown between Prodigious Rene Mark Cuarto 16-1-1, 9 KOs and unbeaten Samuel Salva, 16-0, 10 KOs.