Naoya Inoue stays as 3-belt bantamweight champ after KO of Michael Dasmariñas

Naoya Inoue successfully defended his WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine bantamweight titles against Michael Dasmarinas.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Japanese boxing star Naoya Inoue pummeled Filipino opponent Michael Dasmarinas on Sunday (Philippine Time) at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas to stay as the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, and Ring Magazine bantamweight champion.

Unlike in his last bout against a Filipino in which Nonito Donaire pushed him to the limit in 2019, Inoue made quick work of Dasmarinas, only needing three rounds for the finish.

Inoue's punching accuracy was on point in Round 1 as Dasmarinas was forced to play defense for most of the round.

Dasmarinas somehow got more active early into Round 2, but a solid left punch to the body from Inoue knocked him down for the eight count.

Dasmarinas made it into Round 3, but Inoue went for the stoppage there, starting with left hook to the liver area for the next knockdown.

Dasmarinas still stood up despite already feeling the pain in his right oblique, but another Inoue body shot prompted the referee to stop the contest at the 2:45 mark of the said round.

Inoue remains perfect in his professional boxing career with his 21st consecutive win against no losses while scoring his 18th career knockout.

Dasmarinas, on the other hand, lost for the third time in his career against 30 wins and one draw.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno