In his first defense of his Oriental Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior bantam weight title, Rene Dacquel injured his hand. The title defense fight took place in Okinawa, Japan against Go Onaga, No. 3 contender to the regional title of Dacquel. The Filipino champ managed to retain his belt via unanimous decision.
Eight months later despite the still hurting left hand, Rene Dacquel and his camp decided to do 2nd title defense. Practically fighting on one hand, Rene Dacquel of the United Boxing Gym in Malate, Manila barely eked out a victory. On split decision verdict he overcame the challenge of Shota Kawaguchi, a Japanese, last April 2 at EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
When asked what he has been up to after the Kawaguchi fight, Rene Dacquel told Sports World News he is not going to fight until his injury is fully healed. The interview was made via Facebook.
"At the moment I have no plans fighting. You know I have a hand surgery with the embedded metallic brace due for medical operation (removal) in September. By then I can engage in a fair fight. To fight with injury is extremely risky." Said the Filipino pride.
"For the meantime, I am doing light training in order to keep myself in physical shape." The OBPF champ who won the title from Thailand's Ratthapon Sawangsoda, via 9th round TKO, last April 1, 2016 in Bacolod City, Philippines added.
Rene Dacquel (19-6-1, 6 KOs) made no mention about his immediate future, post operation. But his manager said on a report on Rappler his ward, who is already qualified for a world title fight being currently rated No. 10 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) at 115 lbs, might end up fighting Sato Kawaguchi again.
They are just waiting for the Japanese camp to offer a rematch, Brico Santig, manager of Dacquel, told Ryan Songalia, boxing writer and editor for Rappler. Ryuta Kato of Japan-based United International Promotions together with Santig co-handles the 26-year-old Dacquel.
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