Japan’s Naoya Inoue knocked down Michael Dasmarinas three times within three rounds to retain his IBF and WBA bantamweight titles in Las Vegas.
Inoue sent Filipino Dasmarinas to the canvas with a body shot in the second round and then did so again twice in the third – the last of which, a left hook to the ribs, ended the fight.
The 28-year-old remains unbeaten with 18 knockouts in 21 fights.
He is ranked behind only Canelo Alvarez as the best pound-for-pound boxer.
Inoue is likely to face the winner of WBA holder Nonito Donaire’s fight with WBO holder John Riel Casimero in a bout that would unify the division.
“I prepare myself to knock them out, whether with a head shot or a body shot,” said three-weight world champion Inoue.
“I came prepared and to get a win by knockout is good for me.
“Getting the win makes me smile, but to be able to fight the winner of Casimero and Donaire, that brings me another smile.”
