(AP FILE Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Filipino boxer Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero pulled off quite the upset as he needed just three rounds to knock out the seemingly unstoppable South African Zolani Tete and capture the WBO Bantamweight World Championship at the Arena Birmingham in Birmingham, United Kingdom Sunday morning, Manila time.
Heading towards the midway point of the third frame, Casimero landed a solid right hand to the temple that had the defending champion Tete rocked badly and down on his knees.
It was the beginning of the end for the South African, who never fully recovered.
Tete was able to answer the count, but Casimero picked up where he left off, putting the pressure on and unloaded heavy shot after heavy shot to put the former champ down for a second time.
Once again, Tete was able to get back on his feet, but that would be his last stand as Casimero pounced and continued the onslaught, forcing the referee to step in and stop the bout with 49 seconds to go in the round.
It was a landmark win for the Ormoc, Leyte-born Casimero, who captures his third world championship in as many weight divisions, joining the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr., and Donnie Nietes as the only Filipinos to win world titles in three weight divisions.
It was the fifth straight victory for the 30-year old Casimero, who improves to 29-4 with 20 wins by KO in his career.
It also snaps a 7-year, 12-fight winning streak from Tete.
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