WATCH: Pinoy boxer Tubieron KOed by British foe in first round

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fighter Dennis Tubieron suffered an excruciating knockout loss to British boxer Mitchell Smith on Saturday, July 25 (July 24 in UK) at the Wembley Arena in London, United Kingdom.

Although Tubieron lasted the distance with unbeaten British boxer Josh Warrington in his first trip to the United Kingdom this past April, Smith’s dynamite punching made quick work of the 25-year-old southpaw from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Smith dropped Tubieron to the canvas late in the first round with a solid right hand that landed square on the Pinoy pugilist’s midsection.

Unable to get back to his feet due to the severe pain from a suspected broken rib, referee Steve Gray counted Tubieron out as Smith celebrated in front of the hometown crowd. The official time of the stoppage was 2:42 of round one.

“I would have been disappointed if I hadn’t taken out Tubieron, but I never expected to do it that quick, I saw the opening and I just went for it,” Smith said in his post-fight interview.

With the knockout victory over Tubieron, Smith remains undefeated with a record of 13-0 (7 knockouts) and successfully defended his WBO Intercontinental junior lightweight title for the first time.

The 22-year-old native of Harrow Weald, London is eyeing an in-ring date with Warrington, who schooled Tubieron in 12 rounds to capture the vacant WBC International featherweight championship.

“Tubieron went the distance with Warrington and you’ve just seen what I’ve done to him. I’m not making any boasts but I’m confident in what I’d do to Warrington if we met,” he stated.

On the other hand, Tubieron (19-5-2, 8 KOs) has dropped two-straight outings since coming off a majority draw against compatriot Carlo Magali this past December. – Rappler.com