FILIPINO boxer Michael “Gloves on Fire” Dasmariñas girds for his big fight in April as he shoots for the International Boxing Organization bantamweight world title against French Karim Guerfi, an opportunity he said he is taking with much significance and intends to succeed in.
Set for April 20 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, “Roar of Singapore IV — Night of Champions,” presented by Ringstar Boxing, will see two Filipino fighters in the headlining fights, including Mr. Dasmariñas, 25.
The other title fight will see Jeson Umbal taking on hometown bet Muhamad Ridhwan for the vacant International Boxing Organization Intercontinental featherweight title.
“This is my chance to reap the benefits of all my hard work, and I am doing my best in training so I can get this win for the country,” said Mr. Dasmariñas (25-2) in the lead-up to his fight against Frenchman Guerfi.
As part of his preparation, Mr. Dasmariñas, currently ranked 12th in the division by the World Boxing Council, went to Japan for over a month to train with top coaches, who were former world boxing champions themselves.
The Filipino fighter also has his back supported by boxing legends and world champions Manny Pacquiao and Gerry Peñalosa, saying that Mr. Dasmariñas has the makings of being a champion boxer while advising him to continue to improve his game.
The support has Camarines Sur native Dasmariñas very inspired heading into the fight and is asking for his compatriots’ support.
“I am humbled and inspired that my idols Manny Pacquiao and Gerry Peñalosa get to mention my name. I feel more confident and more excited to fight more than ever. I ask everyone to pray for me to get this win. I will do everything I can to win. This is for the country,” he said.
Mr. Dasmariñas is coming off an impressive win in his last fight in October, knocking out Thai Phupha Por Nobnom in the second round of their match at Ringstar’s “Roar of Singapore III — The Chosen Wan” at the Suntec Convention Center.
Also part of Roar of Singapore IV — Night of Champions is the clash between Chase Haley and Mirage Khan for the WBC Asia Continental title.
“Not many people may know much of these fighters for now but they will go out and give fans great quality boxing fights that they will talk about,” said Ringstar founder and CEO Scott Farrell as he drummed up support for their upcoming event. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
