SPORTSCLOPEDIA 37: KENNY DEMECILLO LOSES IN JAPAN
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 19 Feb 2023
Kenny “Big Heart” Demecillo failed to seize the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific super bantamweight title as he was defeated in an eighth-round technical knockout by Kazuki Nakajima on Thursday evening in Korakuen Hall in Japan.
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The 30-year-old Demecillo of Sanman Boxing Team dipped to 16 wins, 6 losses, 10 knockouts, and 2 draws. The 26-year-old Nakajima improved his record to 14 wins with 12 knockouts, one loss, and one draw. Demecillo who was fighting for the first time in Japan was Nakajima's first Filipino opponent.
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The fight was stopped by American referee Biney Martin at the 2:45 mark of the eighth round after Demecillo’s cornermen threw in the towel to stop the onslaught. Nakajima pinned Demecillo against the ropes and connected ferocious flurries to the head and body of the Filipino.
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Referee Martin imposed a standing eight count on Demecillo who was npt throwing punches anymore. Demecillo threw some punches after the count but the more voluminous punches connected by Nakajima prompted his corner to throw in the towel to prevent further damage.
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Nakajima was ahead in all three judges' scorecards as Edward Ligas, Katsuhiko Nakamura, and Surat Soikrachang all scored 68-65 in favor of the Japanese.
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Demecillo was defeated but did put up a gallant fight. In the fifth round he landed fast hooks and straights that shook Nakajima as he was tacked against the ropes. The bell rang that saved the Japanese from being knocked down.
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Nakajima reversed the outcome in the following rounds, pummeling Demecillo with stinging one-two combinations as the bout halted in the eighth.
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Demecillo traveled to Japan twice to serve as a sparring partner for Inoue brothers Naoya and Takuma. But the fight with Nakajima was his first in Japan.
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Following a two-year hiatus, Demecillo made his comeback last year and stopped both Eric Pulgo and experienced Macrea Gandionco.
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Demecillo is a former WBO Oceania bantamweight champion and became a regional champion after an upset win over former amateur standout Daryl Basadre in 2015. He lost to Michael Dasmarinas by unanimous decision and drew with Edrin Dapudong.
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Demecillo always shows high-impact brawling style and iron chin in every fight, that's why he is nicknamed “Big Heart.” Demecillo tipped the scales at 121.5 pounds, while Nakajima weighed-in at 121.7 pounds.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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