DIALE DETHRONED BY JAPANESE CHALLENGER

Diale.

FILIPINO champion Ardin "The Jackal" Diale was dethroned by his Japanese challenger Daigo Higa via a fourth round knockout in their title-fight for the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) flyweight crown Saturday night at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

The undefeated Higa stopped Diale in 2:39 of the fourth round to score his 10th straight win all by knockouts.

Diale, a native of Malungon, Sarangani Province suffered his 10th defeat against 31 wins and 3 draws.

The 20-year old Higa is also the reigning WBC Youth world flyweight champion. He won the title by knocking out then undefeated Jakkrawut Majoogoen (14-0) in the seventh round last July 24, 2015 at the Siam Paradise Entertainment Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.

Higa successfully defended it via a 10th round TKO win over another Filipino challenger Renren Tesorio last November 7 in Tokyo. Higa retained his crown in his second title-defense via a second round technical knockout win against Filipino challenger Romel Oliveros last March 5 at the Korakuen Hall.

The 27-year old Diale won the vacant OPBF crown by a unanimous decision win over Renoel Pael last December 2 in Mandaluyong City.

He recently retained it by a UD victory against Jonathan Francisco last February 20 at the Taguig Sports Complex in Taguig City.

Diale is also a former IBF Pan Pacific Youth flyweight, WBO Oriental flyweight and Philippine flyweight champion.