Former Unified Super Bantamweight World champion Marlon Tapales and Criztian Laurente both delivered winning performances in Pattaya, Thailand on September 26. Tapales took on Thai fighter Nirun Baonok and stopped him in the second round, with Baonok also being knocked down in the first round. The victory improved Tapales’ record to 42 wins and 5 losses, and it earned him the WBF International Featherweight title.
In the same event, unbeaten Criztian Laurente faced Benchalong Tanbu and secured a stoppage in the third round. Tanbu had also been down in the first round as Laurente maintained pressure and control throughout the fight. With the win, Laurente remained perfect at 17-0 and claimed the WBF Intercontinental Lightweight title.
Jim Claude Manangquil issued a statement saying both fighters need to get active, adding that they received good rounds to stay sharp. He also noted that his team is working on big fights for both Tapales and Laurente before the year ends.
