No less than reigning WBC lightweight king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao picked Dennis Laurente to become the next world champion from the Philippines following his fourth round TKO of his American foe last month during the Pacquiao-David Diaz main card in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Si Laurente ang susunod na magiging champion. Sabi ko lang sa kanya, disiplina sa sarili, tiyaga lang,” the “People’s Champion” said.
Pacquiao said Laurente’s hard work is beginning to bear fruit.
“He’ll become successful,” the champ added.
Laurente dropped Steve Qui?onez of Palm Springs, California via TKO in the fourth round of their eight-round lightweight fight June 28 in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Diaz “Lethal Combination” clash at the Mandalay Bay Hotel Resort and Casino.
The Palompon, Leyte province native floored the American twice in the fourth round.
“Quinonez failed to leave his stool to begin round five, ending the scheduled eight-round lightweight fight,” an online report said.
His corner stopped Qui?onez from fighting after he twisted his left ankle in the second knockdown.
Laurente improved his record to 29-3 with 15 wins by way of knockout. Qui?onez, meanwhile, dropped to 31-13 with 10 KOs.
