Laurente eyes crack at world crown

Dennis Laurente retained his Pan Asia Boxing Association lightweight crown in impressive fashion last week, knocking out Indon Moses Seran in the seventh round in a victory he hoped would line him up for a world title fight.

That includes a possible shot at the World Boxing Council crown against reigning champion David Diaz, who is also being groomed to be Manny Pacquiao’s first opponent next year.

“I want to be in a world title fight. That is my ultimate dream,” said Laurente after stopping Seran in the main event of Live Match IV before a packed crowd at the Le Pavilion in Pasay City last week.

Laurente, a southpaw, connected with a straight to the jaw of Seran, sending the Indon fighter to the canvas for good in 2:34.

Laurente, making his second title defense, fought cautiously during the first three rounds, moving away from the power punches of Seran, who came into the fight with an impressive 41 wins, eight losses, including 36 knockouts.

“He was strong. He hurt me a few times during the fight,” Laurente said.

The win is expected to catapult Laurente into the top 10 of the WBC ranking and a possible title fight against Diaz.

Laurente has held championships in the country and in the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation but has never fought on the world stage.

The knockout raised Laurente’s record to 29 wins, five losses, and 14 knockouts. He has now won his last six fights with three not lasting the distance.

The Live Match series was organized by Springboard Foundation with proceeds of the event to fund its various charity projects nationwide.