Astrolabio stops Thai boxer in 11th round of WBC world bantam title eliminator bout

Vincent Astrolabio (left most) poses with his team after knocking out Nawaphon Kaikanha in their world title eliminator bout in Bangkok, Thailand. | Photo from MP Boxing Gym Davao Facebook

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Vincent “Asero” Astrolabio earned another world title shot after scoring an 11th round technical knockout victory against Thai contender Nawaphon Kaikanha in their World Boxing Council (WBC) world bantamweight title eliminator duel on Saturday evening, August 26, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Astrolabio landed a vicious counter right hook that sent Kaikanha crashing down to the canvas face first in the 11th round that paved the way for him to finish the bout.

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Referee stops fight

Kaikanha miraculously got back on his feet from the vicious knockdown, but Astrolabio went for the kill by unloading combinations that rocked the Thai, forcing the referee, Yuji Fukuchi to stop the bout at 1:08 mark of the round. 

The victory earned Astrolabio a shot for the WBC world bantamweight title currently being held by Alexandro Santiago of Mexico. 

It also improved Astrolabio’s record to 19 wins with 14 knockouts and 4 defeats. Kaikanha absorbed his third loss in 62 bouts. 

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Asero’s loss

It can be recalled that Astrolabio fought for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) world bantamweight title last May against Aussie Jason Moloney in the United States, but fell short after a 12-round majority decision favoring the latter.

During the bout on Saturday evening, Astrolabio clearly dominated the bout, especially in the first four rounds. 

All three judges supervising the bout had Astrolabio leading their score cards at 39-37, 39-37, and 40-36.

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Stinging jabs

Astrolabio banked on his stinging jabs and timely combinations, frustrating Kaikanha who kept on pressing forward.

In the middle rounds, Kaikanha forced Astrolabio to engage in a toe-to-toe battle, which yielded him crucial points to get even with the Filipino contender. 

However, Astrolabio managed to adjust by keeping his distance from Kaikanha, while landing timely counter punches. 

Kaikanha became more complacent from Astrolabio’s repeated jabs and occasional combinations, not knowing the latter was waiting for the perfect timing to throw the right hook that floored him in the 11th round.

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