Dave Apolinario (on the ground) after getting knocked out by Mexico’s Angel Ayala. | Photograph from Zanfer Boxing
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Sanman Boxing’s Dave “Dobermann” Apolinario, endured his first defeat, as he succumbed to a sixth-round knockout within the palms of Mexico’s Angel Ayala of their Worldwide Boxing Federation (IBF) world flyweight title showdown.
The bout happened in Mexico Metropolis, Mexico on August 9 (August 10, Manila Time).
Ayala, an undefeated Mexican fighter, secured the vacant IBF world flyweight title after a fierce back-and-forth battle.
READ: Apolinario carries PHL flag in Mexico with IBF world title on the road
He dropped Apolinario twice earlier than sealing the win on the 2:06 mark of the sixth spherical, sustaining his good report of 18 wins, 8 by knockout.
The title was vacated earlier this 12 months by Jesse Rodriguez.
Apolinario, who had by no means tasted defeat in his 20 fights, will return to the Philippines with a report of 20-1, together with 14 knockouts.
READ: Dave Apolinario heads to Mexico for first world title combat
This was his second world title combat, following his profitable seize of the IBO world flyweight title in South Africa in 2022.
Sixth-round knockout
Ayala managed to neutralize Apolinario’s aggressiveness by focusing on his physique, a technique that paid off within the pivotal sixth spherical.
READ: Dave Apolinario formally earns IBF world title shot
The primary knockdown got here from a fast left hook to the physique, which dropped Apolinario to his knees.
Although he bravely rose and continued, touchdown a left hook of his personal that briefly staggered Ayala, the Mexican fighter sensed the momentum shifting in his favor.
With Apolinario on the ropes, Ayala unleashed a barrage of brutal physique pictures, ending it in a second knockdown that Apolinario couldn’t get better from. The referee’s rely ended the combat, handing Apolinario his first skilled loss.
Regardless of the defeat, Apolinario confirmed flashes of his energy and tenacity, notably within the early rounds, the place he pressed the motion and landed clear, highly effective punches.
Acknowledging the hostile atmosphere, Apolinario got here out decided, pinning Ayala towards the ropes with aggressive mixtures. Nonetheless, Ayala’s composure and tactical changes finally proved decisive.
A victory would have made Apolinario the third present Filipino world boxing champion, becoming a member of Pedro Taduran (IBF world minimumweight) and Melvin Jerusalem (WBC world minimumweight).
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