‘Underdog’ Dasmariñas surprised at early KO win over Frenchman

Filipino boxer Michael Dasmarinas (R) fights 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

Michael Dasmariñas, a rising Filipino boxing star, knew he would knock out Frenchman Karim Guerfi in their bantamweight title fight in Singapore.

But he still ended up surprising himself.

“I expected that I will win by knock out, but didn’t think that I will knock him out that early,” said Dasmariñas in Filipino.

Dasmariñas, a southpaw, sent Guerfi flat on his back with a cracking left hook to the jaw just 40 seconds into the fourth round to gain the vacant International Boxing Organization crown.

READ: Filipino sensation KOs Frenchman for IBO title

“I didn’t expect to hit him that hard,” he recalled.

The 25-year-old Dasmariñas, who upped his mark to 28-4-19 KOs, not only embraced the underdog role heading into the bout against the No. 4 ranked fighter by the WBC, but he also flourished.

READ: Dasmariñas still not used to fanfare ahead of 2nd crack at IBO belt

“I am thankful to everyone who has helped me, specially Ringstar and Scott Farrell, who trusted in my capabilities, even though I’ve been called an underdog, “ he said. “But I prefer being called an underdog, so I wouldn’t feel that pressured.”