By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Jay-R Raquinel clinched the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) bantamweight title after a fourth-round technical knockout victory over Imani Matendo from Tanzania at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City on Saturday night, May 24.

This marks the Negros Occidental’s Cauayan-native Raquinel’s sixth consecutive win, including a unanimous decision victory over Yahir Verdugo for the WBC Continental Americas super flyweight title last year.

Raquinel showcased his prowess in the first three rounds before delivering two knockdowns to Matendo in the fourth round, including a decisive body shot that concluded the match with 1:09 remaining in the round.

“I am happy to have won this title,” Raquinel stated after the match.

“For now, I will take a break, then return to training and see what good opportunities await me,” he added.

With this victory, Raquinel’s record improved to 18 wins, two losses and one draw, including 14 stoppage victories.

Matendo’s record fell to seven wins, two losses and one draw, with three knockout wins.

Meanwhile, John Michael Zulueta captured the vacant ABF flyweight championship after a knockout victory against veteran Komgrich Nantapech from Thailand.

Zulueta, a native of Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town, remains undefeated with a record of 18 wins, zero losses and one draw, including 11 knockout victories.

Nantapech’s record now stands at 38 wins, 15 losses and one draw, with 28 stoppage wins.

The Matira Matibay Boxing Showdown fight card was presented by J.R. Guanzon Boxing Promotions, led by Josue Nietes, with Brico Santig serving as the matchmaker./ASC, WDJ