Boxing

Đinh Hồng Quân of Việt Nam (right) lands a punch on Jules Victoriano of the Philippines during their IBF WBO Asia Championship fight on Saturday in Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Đinh Hồng Quân successfully defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) Asia title on Saturday during the IBF WBO Asia Championship at The Grand Ho Tram Resort in Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province.  

The reigning champion won on points against Jules Victoriano of the Philippines in the men's lightweight category after 12 rounds.

The first three rounds saw both fighters patiently check their rival's ability. 

Quân proved his power in the fourth round with a series of accurate punches to Victoriano's face. But he also suffered many hooks from the Filipino.

The next rounds, both two athletes tried their best to land their attacks but none caused any serious damage.

It was until the 11th round, Victoriano delivered a heavy jab on Quân who was forced to kneel down on the floor. But the Vietnamese quickly stood up and responded with two thundering punches and continued to dominate the last round.

The 24-year-old Quân received 115-113, 115-113 and 117-111 result from three judges and secured his ninth win in career.

His record now is eight wins (four knockouts), one draw and one loss.

Meanwhile challenger Victoriano suffered his fifth defeat in 16 matches.

Quân said the win would strengthen his confidence as his Cocky Buffalo team and himself prepare for a higher tournament. 

In other matches of the championship, South Korean Song Chan-ho defended his WBO (World Boxing Organisation) Oriental Youth bell after he knocked out Thai Bunchuai Phonsungnoen in the third round of the men's super light weight class. 

Meanwhile Uzbekistan Olimjon Nazarov beat Bienvenido Ligas of the Philippines on points after 12 rounds to keep his WBO Oriental Asia belt in the men's flyweight category.

And Vietnamese Sẳm Minh Phát knocked out Indonesian Henri Pornomo in the men's lightfly weight match which was the opener of the championship.

Phát wasted no time and floored his rival after his combination of jabs and hooks in the second round. VNS