Filipino bantamweight Jayr Raquinel secured a decisive victory over Mexico’s Kenbun Torres on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Sangyo Shinko Center, avenging the recent losses of his high-profile countrymen.
Raquinel (19-3-1, 14 KOs) dominant early, scoring three knockdowns against Torres in the opening frame. Following the clear canvas trouble, Torres (16-7-0, 11 KOs) and his corner refused to answer the bell for the second round, awarding the southpaw from Negros Occidental a victory via retirement (RTD). The scheduled eight-round bout concluded officially at the end of the first round.
Torres had previously built a reputation as a formidable opponent for Filipino fighters following back-to-back victories in 2024. On May 10, 2024, Torres stopped former interim world champion Reymart Gaballo in Manila after flooring him three times in the first round. Later that year, on August 24, 2024, Torres handed the highly touted, then-undefeated KJ Cataraja a split-decision defeat in Osaka.
Raquinel, an experienced road warrior with professional bouts across Ghana, South Africa, Mexico, Dubai, China, and Thailand, flipped the script by dealing Torres the exact same first-round treatment Torres had previously inflicted on Gaballo.
The quick stoppage victory is expected to significantly elevate Raquinel's standing and ranking inside the competitive bantamweight division.
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