Laurente falls to Kazakh in Asian boxing

YOUNG Filipino standout Criz Russu Laurente failed to book a semifinal seat in the ASBC Asian Junior Boxing Championships Thursday night after losing his quarterfinal bout against Kazakh opponent via split decision at the City Coliseum in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The 15-year-old from General Santos City bowed to Sabirkhan Makhmud, 4-1 in their 48kg, light flyweight bout.

Laurente could have assured himself of at least a bronze medal if he won against Makhmud. He advanced to the quarterfinal round after beating China’s Cai Yujun via unanimous decision in front of a raucous Filipino crowd the other day.

The biennial tournament attracted a record field of 138 boxers from 18 countries. It has 13 weight classes.

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