LOS ANGELES — Sean Gibbons, the president of Manny Pacquiao Promotions and a renowned international figure in the sport of boxing, took time out of his immensely busy yesterday and headed out to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to be on hand for the arrival of Filipino bantamweight Michael Dasmarinas.
The 28-year old Dasmarinas did not come to America for some random sightseeing. He is here for a “Monster” hunt.
A world-class contender ranked No.1 by the IBF and No. 8 by the WBA, Dasmarinas will attempt to win the belts from both prestigious organizations when he challenges reigning title-holder Naoya Inoue of Japan this June 19 (June 20, Sunday, Manila time) at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dasmarinas, a southpaw, packs a punch and carries an imposing 30-2-1 record with 20 stoppages.
But the Pinoy pride will have his hands full against the unbeaten defending champion who is unbeaten in 20 bouts with 17 stoppages.
Nicknamed “The Monster,” Inoue became particularly well-known among Filipino fight fans after he beat Nonito Donaire via unanimous decision in a bloody brawl last November 7, 2019 at the Super Arena in Saitama. Japan.
Dasmarinas’ entourage included former IBF champion Tacy Macalos and manager Mrs. Vilma Monis of Hardstone Monis Boxing.
